Southern District of Indiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Evansville Meth Trafficking Operation Disrupted; Trio Sent to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Colin January, 47, of Evansville, has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Patricia Minor, 41, and Blenda Lundburg, 57, of Evansville, have been sentenced to 29 months’ (Minor) and one year time served (Lundburg) respectively, followed by one year of supervised release after pleading guilty to unlawful use of a communication facility.
According to documents and evidence presented in court, between March 1 and May 3, 2022, January conspired with others to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine in the Evansville area.
On April 29, 2022, at the request of January, Minor contacted Lundburg via text and asked if a package could be sent to Lundburg’s address. At that time, Lundburg lived in an apartment on Oak Street in Evansville. When Lundburg indicated that she was uncomfortable with the idea, Minor stated that she had previously allowed similar packages to be delivered to her own house and “had no problem with it.” Lundburg stated, “As long as I know nothing and nothing else. No trouble at all.”
On May 1, 2022, January provided Lundburg’s address to a co-conspirator. January had previously provided two Evansville addresses to the co-conspirator in April. A parcel containing approximately 1,374 grams of methamphetamine was subsequently sent from California to Lundburg’s apartment via U.S. Postal Service. January provided Minor with the name of the recipient that appeared on the package and instructed her to be present for the delivery. Law enforcement officers intercepted the package, removed the methamphetamine inside, and conducted a controlled delivery. January, Minor, and Lundburg were at the apartment when the package was delivered.
“Methamphetamine and other controlled substances and have devastating impacts on users, their loved ones, and our communities,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Trafficking organizations are the most significant sources of these poisons and must be held accountable for the suffering they cause in search of quick profits. I commend the efforts of the DEA, Evansville Police Department, and Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office to make our communities safer by getting meth and meth dealers off our streets.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Evansville Police Department, and Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Court Judge, Richard L. Young.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew B. Miller and Kristian Mukoski, who prosecuted this case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Statement of U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers on the Passing of Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Goodloe Jr.Read the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, issued the following statement on the death of former Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Goodloe Jr.:
Mr. Charles Goodloe, Jr., was a native of Greenfield, Indiana, and earned his undergraduate and law degrees at Indiana University. He joined the U.S. Attorney’s office in 1971 as a law clerk and was appointed as an Assistant U.S. Attorney upon passing the bar exam that year. Mr. Goodloe was the first Black person to ever serve as an AUSA in the state of Indiana and was the office’s longest-ever serving attorney when he retired in 2008.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is deeply saddened to learn of Charles Goodloe Jr.’s passing. Mr. Goodloe was an extraordinarily talented trial attorney, dedicated public servant, and trailblazer who opened doors of opportunity for others,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “Charles Goodloe prosecuted many complex, important, and difficult cases, including complex fraud prosecutions of corporate executives and what turned out to be the final prosecution of the Indiana leader of the Ku Klux Klan. Ever the gentleman, he approached his work with dignity, kindness, attention to detail, and tremendous skill. Mr. Goodloe was an inspiration and mentor to me and many others who followed in his footsteps. His impact was so significant he was the first person to have a conference room in our office dedicated in their honor. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Goodloe’s family, friends, and colleagues who join us in mourning his passing and celebrating his legacy.”
In addition to his accomplishments as a prosecutor, Mr. Goodloe served our country in the United States Army for two years. Charles was a beloved husband and father, an avid reader, and incredibly generous with his time and talent. He will be missed.
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Indianapolis Man Found Guilty of Masterminding Four Online Marketplace Armed Robberies, One of Which Resulted in DeathRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- A federal jury has convicted Demetris Campbell, 29, Indianapolis, of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, four counts of aiding the interference with commerce by robbery, and three counts of aiding the brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, following a three-day trial.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, between July 19 and July 28 of 2020, Campbell orchestrated at least four armed robberies of victims whom Campbell lured to an apartment complex under the false premise that they could purchase items via the online marketplaces LetGo and OfferUp.
In the first robbery, Victims C.D., a fifteen-year-old boy, and R.G., his father, communicated with Campbell, who was using the account “Man with a Plan” (MWTP) on Offer Up, with the intent to purchase an iPhone 11. Campbell provided the victims with a prechosen Indianapolis address to which he lured them to complete the fake transaction. Campbell also provided victims with a phone number that he could be reached at for further communication. The parties agreed on a price for the iPhone. Upon the victims’ arrival, three males, including Campbell’s co-conspirator, Angel Montano, approached the vehicle, showing what appeared to be the iPhone 11. The three robbers then brandished pistols and demanded the victims’ money.
In that robbery, the fifteen-year-old victim was struck in the face with a pistol. The robbers ultimately stole loose cash from the victims’ wallets as well as Nike Air Jordan tennis shoes the child was wearing.
In the second robbery, Campbell used the same Offer Up account to lure a mother and her two young children to the same apartment complex. Once there, his coconspirator, Angel Montano, reached into her vehicle and placed the muzzle of a pistol against her thigh, while her two juvenile children were in the car. He then stole the victims’ iPhones and cash.
In the third robbery, which occurred on July 22, 2020, Campbell used the LetGo “Simone” to lure a woman to the same apartment complex under the false premise that she was going to be able to purchase an iPhone 11. Upon her arrival, Angel Montano brandished a pistol and stated “I’ll shoot you! Give me the cash!” She complied by giving him $560 in cash that she had brought for the transaction, as well as her Samsung cell phone.
Between July 21 and 28 of 2020, Victim D.I. participated in ongoing contact with Campbell who was using the “Tony Reed” account on OfferUp regarding the advertised sale of two iPhone 11 Pro Maxes for $1400. They ultimately arranged to meet on July 28 at a location near Adams and 21 Street in Indianapolis. Victim D.I. brought his brother, E.I. Upon their arrival, the brothers felt uneasy and attempted to leave. Angel Montano then blocked them with his car, approached their vehicle, and fired into it killing E.I. and seriously wounding D.I.
The following morning, on July 29, 2020, IMPD officers arrested Campbell after tracing his name and location to the fake usernames used in the robberies. It was later discovered that Campbell was coordinating the schemes with Angel Montano, then selling the stolen phones and splitting the profit.
In February of 2023, Montano was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, and IMPD investigated this case. Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt presided over the trial and will sentence Campbell at a later date.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany J. Preston and Carolyn A. Haney, who prosecuted this case.
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Lebanon Insurance Broker Sentenced to over Seven Years in Federal Prison for Stealing Nearly $4 Million from Clients in “Ponzi” SchemeRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Brian Simms, 46, of Lebanon, has been sentenced to 90 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to wire fraud.
According to court documents, between 2012 and 2020, Simms was a licensed insurance broker and registered agent at Brendanwood Brokerage.
Beginning in 2013, and continuing through August 4, 2021, Brian Simms defrauded at least twenty-two victims by promoting investment services to current Brendanwood insurance clients and others. During that period, neither Simms nor Brendanwood were registered through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority to provide financial advising services, or by the Indiana Securities Division or licensed to sell securities.
As part of his scheme, Simms advised victims to liquidate their traditional and long-term insurance investments, such as 401(k)-retirement savings accounts and life insurance policies. He encouraged the victims to reinvest the funds with him at Brendanwood. In exchange, Simms told victims he would invest their money on their behalf and yield higher rates of return than their current investments. He directed them to deposit those liquidated funds into their personal bank accounts and wire transfer or make checks payable to Brendanwood.
Instead of investing clients’ money as promised, Simms took it for his own personal benefit, such as paying Brendanwood’s payroll and other business expenses, and for his own personal expenditures including credit card payments, Amazon purchases, and other personal expenses.
Simms concealed the scheme through Ponzi-scheme type payments—using funds wrongfully taken from some investors to pay purported returns to others. He also falsified financial reports and made it appear that the victims’ funds were earning an increased rate of return and properly invested in traditional, legitimate investment products.
In total, Simms’ scheme caused 200 fraudulent deposits of client funds into Brendanwood’s accounts, totaling approximately $3,995,535.46 from at least twenty-two victim investors from Indiana, Ohio, and elsewhere. Simms stole significant portions of victims’ life savings, including six who lost over six-figure amounts, and two who lost over $1 million.
“This fraudster targeted those closest to him—friends, family, current customers, even widows and the elderly—folks relying on their savings to fund retirement, send kids to school, or simply live their lives with dignity,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “He stole his victims’ financial security and damaged or derailed their plans for the future. Fraudsters and Ponzi-schemers cause tremendous harm to the public, and their crimes merit serious punishment like the federal sentence imposed against Mr. Simms. Working closely with our partners at the FBI and the Indiana Securities Division, our federal prosecutors will continue to seek accountability for financial crimes and justice for victims.”
‘“Simms’ sentence reflects the ongoing efforts of collaboration between law enforcement agencies to protect Hoosier investors. The Securities Division will continue to work with our partner agencies to investigate these types of crime and ensure investment fraud is investigated and disrupted,” said Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales.
“The victims placed their trust in Mr. Simms with the expectation he would manage and invest their money for their future needs and not exploit that trust through lies and deceit,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI and our partners are committed to investigating these types of crimes to protect Hoosiers from swindlers such as the defendant.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Indiana Secretary of State investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker. Judge Barker also ordered that Simms must pay $2,617,028.36 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany J. Preston, who prosecuted this case.
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Violent Evansville Felon Sentenced to over Eight Years in Federal Prison After Threatening a Neighbor with the Gun he Illegally PossessedRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Christopher Scott Poodry, 33, of Evansville, has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on June 5, 2023, Poodry got into an argument with a neighbor outside of his residence in Evansville. During the argument, Poodry went inside his home and retrieved a rifle. He pointed the rifle and threatened the neighbor, who called 911. Poodry hid the rifle in the tile ceiling his bed before police arrived. Police later searched the residence and located Poodry’s rifle and more than 71 rounds of ammunition.
Poodry is prohibited from legally possessing a firearm because of his multiple prior felony convictions in Warrick County, including dealing methamphetamine and battery against a public safety official.
“This defendant’s actions underscore the risk that violent, illegally armed criminals pose to our communities,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Far too many routine disputes escalate into deadly violence when guns are in the hands of folks who have no legal business having them. Working alongside our partners in the Evansville Police Department, Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office, and ATF, we will continue to make Evansville safer by removing dangerous, armed criminals from our neighborhoods.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Evansville Police Department, and Vanderburgh County Prosecutors Office investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.
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Jeffersonville Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Secretly Recording Minor Victim in Shower and Dressing AreasRead the Press Release
NEW ALBANY- Joseph Grant Flamion, 47, of Jeffersonville, has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, in 2021 and 2022, Flamion secretly used electronic devices to record or to attempt to record a child victim in places where Flamion knew the child would be undressing or nude. Flamion placed a hidden camera in the child’s bathroom and bedroom and routinely held a cell phone camera or another device under the doors to record the child fully nude or undressing. Flamion had custody, care, or supervisory control of the child, who was 13 and 14 years old when Flamion made the recordings.
In October of 2021, Flamion brought a hidden camera with him when he took the child to Florida for a vacation. Flamion placed the hidden camera in the bathroom of the hotel and recorded the child when the child was showering.
The minor victim and a witness became aware that Flamion was attempting to create nude recordings of the victim and disclosed his conduct to the Indiana Department of Child Services. The Department of Child Services notified Flamion of what it had learned, and he subsequently destroyed or disposed of the hidden camera that he used to make recordings of the victim before they could be seized by law enforcement officers.
On July 5, 2022, the Jeffersonville Police Department conducted court-authorized searches of Flamion’ s person and residence. Police seized electronic devices, including a laptop that contained secretly recorded videos of the victim nude or partially nude, and had been used to search for topics such as “hidden camera” and “real life cam.” Investigators also found videos of the victim nude or partially nude on Flamion’s iPhone and MicroSD card. In his guilty plea, Flamion admitted that he created the recordings of the child for his own sexual gratification.
“All children deserve to live in a home that is a place of safety and love. This defendant used his proximity to a child to secretly invade their safety and dignity, sexually exploiting them for his own gratification,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Those who seek to sexually exploit children must be identified and held accountable for the trauma they inflict on victims and their families. Thanks to the outstanding efforts of the Jeffersonville Police Department, FBI, and our federal prosecutor, the public will be protected from this defendant while he serves a very serious sentence in federal prison.”
“The defendant took advantage of a child’s vulnerability in their own home – a place where they should feel safe and protected – and not have to live in constant fear of being exploited,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI and our partners will continue to work diligently to protect our children from those engaging in such heinous crimes.”
“I want to thank the Indiana State Police Digital Forensic Examiners, FBI Indianapolis Field Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana for their assistance in the investigation and the thorough prosecution of Mr. Flamion,” said Col. Kenny Kavanaugh, Chief of Police of the Jeffersonville Police Department. “His predatory actions impacted not only the victims in this case but caused a ripple effect across our community. Our partnership with these agencies enabled us to conduct a sound investigation which led to a successful prosecution.”
The FBI, Indiana State Police, and Jeffersonville Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered Flamion to pay $10,000 in restitution, $7,500 in fines, and to register as a sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany J. Preston, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
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Federal Inmate Sentenced to Additional 32 Months in Prison for Possessing Improvised WeaponRead the Press Release
TERRE HAUTE- Javon Britton, 44, of Georgia, has been sentenced to an additional 32 months in federal prison after being found in possession of a weapon while in prison.
According to court documents, in 2015, Britton was convicted of robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and a judge in the Middle District of Georgia sentenced him to 11.5 years in federal prison. He has been serving his prison sentence at the Terre Haute Federal Correctional Complex inmate since 2017.
On April 29, 2019, Britton exited the prison dining hall and passed through a walk-through metal detector. The metal detector alerted staff to an object on Britton’s person. A Bureau of Prisons Officer patted Britton down and located a homemade weapon in his right jacket pocket. The weapon consisted of a combination padlock attached to a belt. Britton ran and was tackled by multiple officers, who removed the weapon. Improvised weapons are illegal to possess in federal prison and pose a significant risk to the safety of fellow inmates and correctional staff.
The Special Investigation Services branch of the Bureau of Prisons investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys James M. Warden and Jayson W. McGrath, who prosecuted this case.
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Former Federal Investigator Convicted and Sentenced for Fabricating Dozens of Background Check Interviews he Never ConductedRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Christopher B. Laughlin, 37, of Whiteland, Indiana, has been sentenced to one year of federal probation and must pay restitution in the amount of $69,846.44 after pleading guilty to making false statements in the course of his government employment.
Federal employees, contractors, and military members must undergo a background investigation to determine their suitability for serving in a position of trust and obtaining any required security clearance. The extent of the investigation will depend on the type of job and the degree of harm the person in that job could cause. Background investigators conduct interviews, review documents, and record the information they find in reports of investigation. Federal agencies rely on these reports to determine suitability of subjects for sensitive positions and security clearance.
The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is responsible for conducting background investigations of certain individuals who are either employed by or seeking employment with federal agencies or government contractors. DCSA utilizes a variety of internal controls to verify the work of investigators and help ensure the integrity of its investigations.
According to court documents, Christopher Laughlin began working at the United States Office of Personnel Management as a federal background investigator in May of 2018. His position was transferred to DCSA on September 30, 2019.
On August 2, 2021, as part of DCSA’s internal control process, an individual reported that Laughlin never interviewed them, contrary to Laughlin’s statements in an investigation report. DCSA investigated and identified three other sources Laughlin claimed to have interviewed in the same investigation who all stated they’d never been interviewed. DCSA’s Office of the Inspector General then initiated a formal investigation into Laughlin’s conduct.
Investigators determined that between February 18 and September 1, 2021, Laughlin submitted at least 22 false reports containing fabricated statements from at least 43 interviews that never actually happened. The reports included statements that the sources purportedly made to Laughlin by people he never spoke with. DCSA spent $69.846.214 in payroll and travel to conduct the investigations that Laughlin fabricated.
“The safety and security of our country depends on the trustworthiness and integrity of federal employees and contractors,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This defendant’s decision to falsify reports and fabricate statements compromised the integrity of these important investigations, and increased the risk that unsuitable individuals are put in positions that could compromise our government and our national security. I commend DCSA OIG, DCIS, and our federal prosecutor for their commitment to protect the public and hold officials accountable for criminal violations of their oaths to serve and protect the public.”
“Compromising the integrity of the security clearance process puts our country’s most sensitive information at unnecessary risk,” said Darrin K. Jones, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. “DCIS, along with our investigative partners, will continue to aggressively pursue bad actors whose actions threaten to undermine the public’s trust.”
The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, Office of Inspector General and Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney James Warden, who prosecuted this case.
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Carmel Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Thomas Cade Martin, 27, of Carmel, Indiana, has been sentenced to 275 months in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possession of child sexual abuse material. He also admitted to sexually exploiting a minor victim in Carmel. Martin was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution and must register as a sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school.
According to court documents, in late 2022, Carmel Police Department officers received a report of sexual exploitation of a male minor victim. The report found that Thomas Martin asked Minor Victim 1, a 15-year-old male, to meet in-person after being introduced through Grindr, an online dating application. Martin continued conversations with MV1 through Instagram and Snapchat, initially lying about his identity and age in order to groom MV1.
Over the course of three weeks, Martin met MV1 in-person on multiple occasions at his Carmel apartment and other public locations to engage in sexual intercourse. Martin also engaged in grooming behaviors, such as purchasing clothes and dinners for MVI, and even buying the child a birthday cake when he turned 16 years old.
A search of Martin’s cellphone recovered multiple sexually explicit “live photos” produced by Martin of the victim, as well as other images taken of the two together at local restaurants and public meeting spots in Carmel.
“Martin sexually abused and exploited a 15-year-old boy, having gained his adoration and trust online. Taking advantage of vulnerable teens for sexual gain is a despicable crime that merits significant prison time,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “The sentence imposed today should serve as a warning to would-be groomers and offenders: if you solicit and exploit minors for sex, you will spend many years in federal prison.”
“This defendant earned his lengthy prison sentence by propagating the online victimization of minors and by seeking out and abusing a victim here in Indiana,” said Special Agent in Charge Herb Stapleton of the Indianapolis Federal Bureau of Investigation. “Thanks to the dedication of our crimes against children investigators, in partnership the Carmel Police Department, this individual will be behind bars for a very long time.”
“The Carmel Police Department has teams dedicated to preventing and solving child exploitation. We are proud to work closely with our federal and local partners in bringing justice to those who are victims of these cases. The work done by all involved in Mr. Martin’s case shows our dedication to protecting our most valuable asset, our children. This type of heinous crime simply will not be tolerated,” said Carmel Police Chief, Drake Sterling.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations and Carmel Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany J. Preston, who is prosecuting this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc
This investigation was conducted by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a multiagency task force led by the Indiana State Police that investigates and prosecutes persons who use the internet to sexually exploit or entice children. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse. Visit https://www.in.gov/isp/icactf/ to learn more about their efforts.
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Muncie Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to a Decade in Federal Prison for Armed Trafficking of over 2,000 Fentanyl Pills, Selling 500 While on BondRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Dayten Abram, 22, of Muncie, has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and distribution of more than 40 grams of fentanyl.
According to court documents, on March 16th, 2023, Abram was under investigation by the Muncie Police Department for suspected drug trafficking offenses. At approximately 1:09 PM, officers stopped the defendant after he committed multiple traffic violations. As an officer approached the car, he could smell burnt marijuana and saw a handgun on the driver’s side floorboard, near a BMV receipt with the defendant’s name on it.
A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of $8,749 in cash, the loaded Glock 9 mm semiautomatic handgun, and 1,526 fentanyl pills- containing 213.6 grams of the drug. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage—a tiny amount that can fit on the tip of a pencil. Seven out of ten illegal fentanyl tablets seized from U.S. streets and analyzed by the DEA have been found to contain a potentially lethal dose of the drug. Abram was arrested and charged in Delaware County, and later released.
On April 27, 2023, while out on bond for the pending state charges, Abram was recorded by law enforcement officers dealing another 503 fentanyl pills to another person, containing 54.7 grams of the narcotic. Abram was subsequently charged in this federal case.
“Undeterred after being caught red-handed with over 1,500 deadly fentanyl pills and a loaded handgun, this criminal continued to push his poison into Muncie’s neighborhoods while out on bond,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Fentanyl traffickers care more about making money than they care about the lives destroyed or ended by their deadly product. Thanks to the hard work and skill of the Muncie Police Department, DEA, and our federal prosecutor, the public will be protected from this dangerous, armed trafficker for years. Together with our law enforcement partners, our office is committed to getting these deadly pills off our streets and holding fentanyl traffickers accountable.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Muncie Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Sarah Evans Barker.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry D. Glickman, who prosecuted this case.
One Pill Can Kill: Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of death for adults in the United States. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.
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Illinois Predator Sentenced to 42 Years in Federal Prison for Years of Sexual Abuse of a Young Child he Drugged with MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Zachary Nichols, 31, of Newton, Illinois, has been sentenced to 42 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of permitting or assisting by a parent or guardian in the sexual exploitation of a child.
According to court documents, Zachary Nichols had been in a romantic relationship with a relative of an eleven-year-old child. Beginning in at least 2016, Nichols began sexually abusing the child and recording the abuse. Nichols groomed, sexually abused, and raped the child for years, all while recording and taking photos of the abuse.
Nichols was an active user of methamphetamine and supplied the child with the drug to facilitate some of the sexual abuse. The child is nearly incapacitated because of drug use in some of the child sex abuse material that Nichols created. Nichols continued supplying methamphetamine to the child well into the victim’s teenage years.
On multiple occasions, Nichols forced the child to engage in sexual conduct with Dustin Cox on camera. Cox was Nichols’ drug dealer and was also a registered sex offender at the time. Nichols received drugs in exchange for bringing the child to be sexually abused by Cox. Cox has been charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child, and Conspiracy to Sexually Exploit a child in a related case. Cox has filed a petition to plead guilty, and guilty plea and sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
On August 25, 2022, Nichols was arrested in Illinois. A court-authorized search of his phone and Google account showed multiple image and video files depicting Nichols sexually abusing the child.
The FBI and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James R. Sweeney II. Judge Sweeney also ordered that Nichols must pay $20,000 in restitution to the victim.
“For years, Zachary Nichols sexually abused a child entrusted in his care in the most horrific of ways: so utterly depraved he traded his victim’s body for meth and pushed the drug on the innocent child. Nichols inflicted the worst childhood traumas imaginable, and the harms will echo for the rest of the victim’s life,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana “There is no place in a civilized society for men like this. Thanks to the talent and dedication of the team at the FBI, our law enforcement partners, and our federal prosecutor, children will be safe from this man for many, many years.”
“This sentence clearly demonstrates the gravity of the defendant’s heinous actions and ensures he will be behind bars for years to come and unable to perpetrate such depravity on another child,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue and hold accountable those who engage in these crimes.”
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany J. Preston, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
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Final Defendant in Trio Responsible for Eight Armed Robberies of Indianapolis Area Businesses in One Month Found Guilty by Federal JuryRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- A federal jury has found Robdarius Williams, 21, of Indianapolis, guilty of interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, following a one-and-a-half-day trial.
In April of 2024, Quintez Tucker, 20, and D’Maurah Bryant, 21, each plead guilty to eight counts of robbery and eight counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, from November 8, 2021, through December 3, 2021, Tucker and Bryant worked together to rob eight cell phone retailers around Indianapolis. During each robbery, the men brandished firearms and pointed them at employees, demanding cash, cell phones, and accessories from the store and customers. Williams joined in the eighth and final armed robbery as the getaway driver, stole a license plate for the vehicle, and took Tucker to pick up an AR-style rifle used in the robbery.
In total, the trio robbed eight businesses:
Date
Location
Defendants
November 8, 2021
Verizon, Olio Rd., Fishers.
Tucker & Bryant
November 18, 2021
T-Mobile, Southport Rd.
Tucker & Bryant
November 23, 2021
Verizon, Kessler Blvd.
Tucker & Bryant
November 26, 2021
T-Mobile, E. 86th St.
Tucker & Bryant
November 29, 2021
T-Mobile, Fox Rd.
Tucker & Bryant
December 1, 2021
T-Mobile, E. Stop 11 Rd.
Tucker & Bryant
December 1, 2021
T-Mobile, W. 38th St.
Tucker & Bryant
December 3, 2021
AT&T, S. Emerson Ave.
Tucker & Williams
The FBI investigated this case. The Fishers Police Department, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and the Marion County Prosecutors Office also provided valuable assistance. U.S District Court Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson presided over the trial and will impose sentences for all three men at a later date.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy C. Fugate and Peter A. Blackett, who prosecuted this case.
This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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Former Indiana State University Student Federally Indicted on Extortion and Threat Charges Against University OfficialsRead the Press Release
TERRE HAUTE – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Nicholas Wheeler, 27, with four counts of transmitting extortionate threats via interstate commerce and three counts of transmitting threats via interstate commerce.
According to the indictment and other court documents, on March 16th and 17th of 2024, Wheeler made violent threats over “X” (formerly Twitter) against Indiana State University, Indiana State University professors, and two of his former attorneys. Wheeler threatened that if the individuals did not give him $500,000 or investigate his claim that he was the victim of a crime, he was going to kill or injure them.
Some of Wheeler’s messages included threats such as, “I’m coming to take your souls… closed casket funerals,” and “empty your bank accounts, I’m coming for blood Indiana State University,” accompanied by posts claiming to own a loaded machine gun and body armor.
Wheeler attended Indiana State University from August 2018 through August 2023. At the time Wheeler sent the threats, he was living in California.
The FBI is investigating this case. If convicted of the most serious offense, Wheeler could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Oliver, who is prosecuting this case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Armed, Violent Felon Sentenced to over 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Guns, Crack, and Meth out of Anderson HomeRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Richard Hatchett, 46, of Anderson, has been sentenced to 130 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, distribution of cocaine, distribution of methamphetamine, and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on three occasions in January 2023, Hatchett sold cocaine to individuals out of his home in Anderson, a total of approximately 9.8 grams of cocaine base, also known as “crack cocaine.” During two of those drug deals, Hatchett also sold the buyer two 9mm semiautomatic handguns. One of the firearms sold by Hatchett had been previously stolen. On the third occasion, Hatchett carried a Glock 9mm handgun in his waist band.
On January 30, 2023, Hatchett sold 14.92 grams of pure methamphetamine to an individual at his home.
On February 14, 2023, ATF agents executed a search warrant at Hatchett’s home and located two guns, high-capacity magazines, micro conversion kits, ammunition, crack cocaine, a digital scale, US currency, and other drug paraphernalia.
Hatchett has sustained previous felony convictions for crimes including murder and burglary in Illinois. Hatchett committed the murder when he was just fifteen years old and has spent the vast majority of his life in prison, on probation, or on parole. His felony convictions prohibit him from ever legally possessing a firearm under state and federal law.
“Even after serving a sentence for murder, this defendant has shown his utter unwillingness to abide by the law. Violent, armed drug traffickers are a menace to our community, and must be held accountable,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Our office is committed to working closely with our partners at the ATF, Anderson Police, and throughout federal, state, and local law enforcement, to make our communities safer by investigating and prosecuting repeat, violent criminals. Thanks to their efforts, the public will be safe from further crimes by this man for many years.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, assisted by the Anderson Police Department, investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James R. Sweeney.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Gibson, who prosecuted this case.
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Wisconsin Attorney Sentenced to Five and a Half Years in Federal Prison for $2.3 Million Fraud and Tax Evasion SchemesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Leslie Smith, 63, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to five and a half years in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to health care fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion. Smith must also pay $2,341,655.08 in restitution.
According to court documents, for years, Leslie Smith engaged in multiple fraud schemes against her employer, relatives, and the government. Smith was a licensed attorney in the state of Wisconsin at the time she committed these crimes.
Smith was employed as the Office Manager for a podiatry practice located in Indianapolis. For years, without the knowledge or consent of her employer, Smith submitted approximately 288 fraudulent claims for reimbursement to Medicaid for oxygen monitoring devices that were never ordered. Smith caused Medicaid to pay $559,197.67 on these false claims and also caused a total of $1,194,942.07 in Medicaid payments to be deposited to her personal bank account.
After being charged in federal court with health care fraud, Smith fraudulently obtained COVID-19 mortgage assistance funds for a home on Kessler Boulevard in Indianapolis. In the application documents, Smith falsely represented that she was the owner of the home. In reality, the owner was a relative of Smith who died in 2020.
Smith also sold a residence in Indianapolis that she jointly owned with another individual for approximately $380,000, without the knowledge or consent of the co-owner. Because she had forged the co-owner’s signature on certain key documents, she was able to keep the entire profit of the home sale.
Smith did not file federal income tax returns from 2018 through 2021, and thereby failed to report approximately $1,299,179.01 in income. She prepared false tax returns for her employer and included all of her payments from Medicaid as income for her employer, in an effort to hide the fact that she was fraudulently receiving money from Medicaid.
“This criminal used her position of trust to lie, cheat, and steal from patients, her employer, and the public—fraudulently lining her pockets with over a million dollars intended to provide healthcare to disadvantaged Hoosiers,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “She continued to engage in new fraud schemes even while facing federal charges, demonstrating an utter disregard for the rule of law. Working together with our partners at Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, FBI, HHS-OIG, and the Indiana Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, our office is committed to protecting the public by unravelling complex schemes and holding fraudsters accountable. The federal prison sentence imposed here demonstrates that serious financial crimes will result in serious consequences.”
“This case originated from our office’s data mining efforts and confirms the importance of using every technology tool available to bring fraudsters to justice - even perpetrators who hide in the plain sight of a doctor’s office,” said Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita. “A special thanks to our Investigator Dan Shragal and Fraud Analyst Sarah Simpson for putting their foot down and ending this podiatrist staff member’s practice of sending millions of dollars in Medicaid payments to their own personal bank account.”
“Leslie Smith not only stole from American taxpayers, but her unbridled greed also betrayed her employer’s trust, shattering the fabric of trust that holds a workplace together,” said Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office. “This prison sentence should serve as a stark reminder of the profound consequences of greed and deception.”
“Through the defendant’s egregious scheme to defraud the Indiana Medicaid program, she placed personal profits ahead of legitimate care and knowingly stole valuable taxpayer funds intended to provide resources for vulnerable populations in need of assistance,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG values the continued collaboration with the Indiana Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, along with other federal law enforcement partners, and believes today’s sentence sends a strong message that those convicted of defrauding federal and state healthcare programs will be held accountable.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Department of the Treasury, Office of the Inspector General, and Indiana Attorney General’s Office – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (“MFCU”) investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Sarah Evans Barker.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller, who prosecuted this case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID‑19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID‑19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form
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Indianapolis Man Federally Charged for Setting Fire to IndyGo Bus and Bus Station in April Causing Injury and $2.1 Million in DamagesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Demarcus McCloud, 45, of Indianapolis, has been charged with arson of property and vehicle receiving federal funds after making his initial appearance in federal court.
According to court documents, on April 24, 2024, around 5pm, Indianapolis Fire Department and IMPD officers responded to a report of a fire at the IndyGo bus stop at 38th and North Meridian Streets. When first responders arrived, the inside of the bus and front half of the exterior were completely engulfed in flames.
Witnesses claimed that the fire was started by a passenger, identified as Demarcus McCloud. IMPD Officers located McCloud in the parking lot of a nearby restaurant and found him holding two butane lighters in his hand. He was arrested and transported to Eskenazi hospital to be assessed for physical injuries.
Surveillance cameras show McCloud boarding Bus #1993 at the Julia Carson Transit Center on Washington Street carrying a jug full of liquid and two butane lighters. After boarding, McCloud chose a seat in the back of the bus and lit a cigarette while hiding under a blanket. McCloud allegedly threw the butt of the cigarette on the floor, then lit a piece of paper before extinguishing it and moving to another section of the bus. As the bus approached the stop at Meridian and 38th Streets, McCloud began pouring out liquid from the jug onto the floor of the center aisle. He left the open jug laying on its side and began to exit the bus as the liquid continued to flow out. As he approached the bus door, he lit another piece of paper and threw it on the floor. The puddle ignited immediately, and McCloud ran from the station.
During this incident, a passenger on the bus suffered from smoke inhalation after exiting the vehicle and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
IndyGo operates their public transportation buses under the Federal Transportation Administration. It is estimated that Bus #1993 sustained approximately $2.1 million in damages, and the bus stop sustained approximately $25,000 in damages.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating this case. If convicted, McCloud faces up to 40 years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela S. Domash, who is prosecuting this case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Indianapolis Man Sentenced to over Eight Years in Federal Prison for Series of Armed Robberies of Four Massage Parlors in One MonthRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Roy King, 42, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 97 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to three counts of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of attempted robbery.
According to court documents, on three separate occasions in September of 2023, the defendant robbed multiple spa and massage parlors in Indianapolis. During each of these robberies, the defendant held employees at gunpoint and demanded cash.
On October 8, 2023, the defendant attempted to rob a fourth spa. Unlike the prior robberies, he did not use a gun, but instead brandished a TV remote, pretending it was a gun. This robbery was unsuccessful and was arrested. The robberies committed and attempted by the defendant are summarized as follows:
DATE
LOCATION
September 5, 2023
Angel Spa, Michigan Rd.
September 10, 2023
Sunshine Spa, North Post Rd.
September 26, 2023
Rosemary Massage Parlor, South Gray Rd.
October 8, 2023
N Spa, East Washington St.
The defendant has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2003, including convictions related to assault with a deadly weapon, gang activity, and distribution of controlled substances.“Four different times, three of them at gunpoint, the defendant chose to terrorize innocent people who had the misfortune to work at a business this violent criminal decided to target. Each time, he made them fear for their lives just so he could steal a few hundred dollars,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Armed, repeat criminals are a menace to our communities and must be held accountable. The federal prison sentence imposed here demonstrates that this violent lawlessness will carry serious consequences.”
The FBI investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy C. Fugate, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Evansville Snapchat Fentanyl Dealer Responsible for at least Three Overdoses and Teen’s Death Sentenced to Twenty Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Jeremial Lee Leach, 20, of Evansville, Indiana has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to one count of Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death, one count of distribution of fentanyl, and one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury.
According to court documents, Leach is responsible for dealing fentanyl resulting in at least three overdoses, one of which resulted in the death of a 19-year-old. Leach advertised fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills over Snapchat to hundreds of recipients using the alias “Mel.”
On June 25, 2022, at approximately 12:11 a.m., officers with the Evansville Police Department (EPD) responded to a residence on Wedeking Avenue in reference to the overdose of a woman. The woman was revived with naloxone. Later the same day, at approximately 10:55 a.m., EPD officers responded to the same residence for the overdose of another woman, just nineteen years old, who subsequently died. The coroner located a counterfeit oxycodone pill containing fentanyl on the deceased woman’s person. The cause of both overdoses was determined to be fentanyl intoxication.
Investigators searched the deceased victim’s phone and found conversations between her and Jeremial “Mel” Leach in which they discussed a transaction for the purchase of pills they identified as “blues.” Leach gave her his address on Shanklin Avenue and confirmed the price for the sale of the pills.
On August 20, 2022, at approximately 4:15 p.m., EPD officers were dispatched to a restaurant located on Hirschland Road concerning an overdose. Upon arrival, the officers located a woman sitting on the ground in the parking lot of the restaurant, not alert and beginning to lose consciousness. An officer administered naloxone and, a short time later, the woman began to regain consciousness. The woman advised first responders and medical personnel that she had taken a 30 mg tablet of oxycodone. The women’s companion identified Leach as the supplier of the pill and the location of the purchase as a residence on Shanklin Avenue.
On October 11, 2022, investigators with the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force observed Leach conduct two apparent drug deals at his residence. The buyers left separately in a Kia Optima and a gold Hyundai Tucson. Shortly thereafter, law enforcement stopped both vehicles after observing traffic violations.
During the stop of the vehicles, investigators located three blue pills marked “M30” inside the Kia and six blue pills marked “M30” inside the Tucson. One of the boys in the buyer’s car later stated that his dealer’s name was “Mel.”
Later that day, officers executed a search warrant at Leach’s residence on Shanklin Avenue. Leach exited the front door of the home and was taken into custody by detectives. Some of the items located and seized during the search included 33 blue pills marked “30,” a digital scale, two 9mm pistols, and approximately $1,843 in cash.
The pills seized during the two traffic stops and from Leach’s residence were submitted for laboratory analysis and tested positive for the presence of fentanyl.
“This young woman should be alive today. Mr. Leach pushed deadly poison over social media, ending a teenager’s life far too early, and risking many more,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Fentanyl traffickers commit their crimes with utter disregard for the lives of our friends and neighbors or the harm they cause to families in our community. I commend the outstanding work of the DEA, the Evansville Police Department, the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force, and our federal prosecutors to secure some measure of justice for the victims of this fentanyl dealer. The sentence imposed here should serve as a warning: these poisons kill—and selling them will earn you decades in federal prison.”
“The sentence imposed on Mr. Leach is righteous and justified. Mr. Leach utilized social media platforms to advertise the sale of fentanyl and continued distributing the poisonous fentanyl even though it had already caused fatal and near fatal overdoses. The DEA would like to extend their deepest condolences to the Duncan family and all families who have lost a loved one to a fentanyl poising,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Mike Gannon. “DEA remains committed to working hand in hand with our state, local and federal partners in order to keep our communities safe. DEA commends the outstanding work by the Evansville Police Department, The Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force and the United States Attorney’s Office.”
DEA, Evansville Police Department, and the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Kristian Mukoski and Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage. One kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. Laboratory testing indicates 7 out of every 10 pills seized by DEA contain a lethal dose of fentanyl.
One Pill Can Kill: Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fentanyl is used because it’s cheap. Small variations in the quantity or quality of fentanyl in a fake prescription pill can accidentally create a lethal dosage. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of drug poisoning deaths in the United States. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies, like Percocet and Xanax. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These particular pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Awards Ceremony Honors Law Enforcement PartnersRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- On May 14, 2024, The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana recognized more than 75 members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies at its Law Enforcement Awards ceremony at the Indiana War Memorial & Museum in downtown Indianapolis. The ceremony, held during National Police Week, honored law enforcement professionals who have gone above and beyond their duties to safeguard Indiana communities in cases that concluded in 2023.
“This event is a small token of our appreciation for the time, dedication, and teamwork it takes to investigate a federal case and bring the worst of the worst offenders to justice. The pace, complexity, and scope of the prosecutions brought in the Southern District of Indiana are a true testament to the quality of our partners in federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “It is especially meaningful to spend time during National Police Week to recognize the talents and sacrifice of those who have dedicated themselves to serving the public—often at risk to themselves. Every day these outstanding law enforcement officers, analysts, victim specialists, prosecutors, and other professionals work to make our communities safer, uphold the law, and protect civil rights, and I am happy to recognize many of them with these awards.”
The honorees are members of the following agencies:
- Bureau of Prisons
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- National Security Division, DOJ
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service
- U.S. Secret Service
- IRS-Criminal Investigation
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Federal Bureau of Investigation- Indianapolis
- Federal Bureau of Investigation- Chicago
- Canadian National Organized Crime Squad
- U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western Dist. of Ky.
- U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern Dist. of Ind.
- Indiana State Police
- Marion County Sheriff’s Office
- Marion County Prosecutor’s Office
- U.S. Trustee’s Office
- Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
- Evansville Police Department
- Lawrence Police Department
- Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office
- Owensboro, KY Police Department
The teams who led the following cases received awards at the ceremony:
Outstanding Collaborative Criminal Investigation: Cases receiving this recognition are limited to those that have demonstrated outstanding efforts or overcome significant challenges in collaboration with multiple agencies.
Awarded to: U.S. v. Renard, et al and U.S. v. Edwin Agbi.
Project Safe Childhood Shield of Innocence: This award honors those who have provided extraordinary assistance to victims of a federal child exploitation crime.
Awarded to: U.S. v. Arnold Castillo.
L.E.A.T.H Heroism Award: This award is presented to a L.E.A.T.H. case that demonstrates extraordinary commitment and fortitude in the pursuit of justice. The Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence (LEATH) Initiative is named in honor of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call. The LEATH Initiative began in October of 2020 and recognizes the inherent danger posed by firearms in the hands of domestic abusers.
Awarded to: U.S. v. Michael Ryan Mack.
Investigative Excellence Award: Cases receiving this award are limited to those that have substantially and significantly contributed to the mission of the United States Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice by conducting complex, thorough and proactive analysis of evidence.
Awarded to: U.S. v. Fenner, et al and U.S. v. Betts, et al.
Community Impact: Presented to a case that had widespread, positive impact on constituents, law enforcement relations, and the legacy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Indiana.
Awarded to: U.S. v. Tony Cushingberry.
Excellence in the Pursuit of Justice; Presented to a case in which local, state, and federal officials achieved extraordinary results in their work to prevent crime, enhance community safety, and seek justice.
Awarded to: U.S. v. Holman IV, et al. and U.S. v Dannon, et al.
Outstanding Agency Service: Presented to a case that substantially and significantly contributed to the mission of the United States Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice.
Awarded to: McDaniels v. Smith and United States, in which Bureau of Prisons personnel worked with staff of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to successfully defend and vindicate the BOP and a BOP nurse who had been falsely accused of negligence in a civil suit brought by a former inmate.
In addition, the ceremony honored the late IMPD Officer, Anthony J. Farrell, who passed away in 2023, with a posthumous award presented to his family.
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Former Credit Union Employee Sentenced to Nearly Three Years in Federal Prison for Scheme that Stole over $2 Million from Members’ AccountsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Jose Prado-Valero, 35, of Carmel has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to financial institution fraud. He must also pay $2,132,517 in restitution.
According to court documents, from 2016 through August of 2019, Jose Prado-Valero served as the Automated Clearing House coordinator at a credit union beginning in 2019. His duties included posting and coordinating transactions into and out of the accounts of credit union members, which gave him access to members’ personally identifiable information, including Social Security numbers, date of birth, home address and telephone numbers. Prado-Valero also had access to members’ account numbers and account balances.
Sometime prior to February 14, 2019, Prado-Valero was approached by individuals not employed by the credit union who sought his assistance in conducting a scheme to defraud the financial institution and steal money held in member accounts. The co-conspirators promised to pay Prado-Valero a portion of the fraud proceeds if he stole members’ identity and account information.
Prado-Valero agreed to join the scheme and used his position of trust at the credit union to access members’ account information and steal their money. Between February 14, 2019, and August 16, 2019, Prado-Valero and accomplices successfully made 34 fraudulent transfers to themselves out of credit union members’ accounts, in the aggregate amount of $2,078,725. Prado-Valero was paid over $100,000 by his co-conspirators for his role in the scheme.
“Account holders and financial institutions depend on people in positions of trust to keep their information and money safe,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This corrupt employee facilitated the theft of millions of customer dollars to satisfy his own greed. The serious federal prison sentence imposed demonstrates that the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are watching, and those who abuse positions of trust to line their pockets at the expense of others will be held accountable.”
“Prado-Valero was entrusted with a great deal of responsibility over the hard-earned money of the credit union’s members. Instead of using his authority and access to protect the accounts of these customers, he sold his access to a criminal conspiracy so he could enrich himself,” said Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office. “I commend the investigative team for their expert, detailed work in this case, which resulted in this defendant being held accountable for his crimes.”
The FBI investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Warden, who prosecuted this case.
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Federal Inmate Charged in Fatal Stabbing of Fellow Inmate at the Terre Haute Federal Prison ComplexRead the Press Release
TERRE HAUTE- A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Otha Don Watkins III, age 42, of Cairo, Illinois, with involuntary manslaughter and possessing contraband in prison.
On April 14, 2023, Watkins was serving a federal prison sentence and was an inmate at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana. According to the indictment, on April 14, 2023, Watkins allegedly stabbed fellow inmate, Carlos Shelton, with an improvised knife during a fight. Improvised knives, commonly referred to as “shanks” are illegal to possess in prison and pose a significant risk to the safety of fellow inmates and correctional staff. Watkins allegedly created the weapon with a piece of metal sharpened to a point at one end and wrapped in white cloth on the other.
Shelton ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Watkins remains in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Special Investigation Services branch of the Bureau of Prisons investigated this case. If convicted, Watkins faces up to 8 years in federal prison, in addition to his current sentence.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jayson W. McGrath, who is prosecuting this case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Two Sentenced to a Total of over Five Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Dozens of Firearms from Indianapolis to ChicagoRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Miesha Webster, 27, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to transfer firearms to an out-of-state resident and making a false statement in connection with the purchase of a firearm.
James Osborne III, 34, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 45 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to transfer firearms to an out-of-state resident.
According to court documents, between June 2021, and September 17, 2021, Miesha Webster and James Osborne III “straw purchased” at least 37 firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers in Indiana. Straw purchasing occurs when a person who is allowed to legally purchase a gun from a federally licensed dealer falsely states that they are purchasing a firearm for themselves, when they know that the gun is actually intended for someone else—frequently someone who is legally prohibited from making the purchase themselves.
As part of the straw purchasing scheme, Osborne drove Webster to firearms dealers, and Webster would purchase certain makes and models of firearms, falsely claiming the firearms were being purchased for herself, when they were in fact being purchased on behalf of Osborne to sell. Osborne told Webster what guns to buy and gave her the money to make the purchases. Osborne was prohibited from purchasing firearms himself.
Webster and Osborne sold the straw-purchased firearms to an individual from Chicago, Illinois. The buyer met Webster and Osborne in Indiana to purchase the guns, then took them back to Chicago. Under federal law, it is a crime to willfully transfer or sell firearms to another person in another state if neither individual is a federally licensed firearms dealer.
On September 13, 2021, Webster was observed arriving at a federally licensed firearms dealer in Brownsburg, Indiana, in a vehicle driven by Osborne. Webster left the store with a Glock 21 .40 caliber pistol and a Glock 26 9mm pistol. On the ATF form, she listed herself as the actual buyer and listed a false home address. Webster and Osborne took the two firearms, along with others purchased by Webster on a different date, to Lafayette, Indiana, where they sold the guns to their Chicago purchaser. ATF agents arrived on scene of the illegal deal and arrested both defendants.
In total, Webster purchased at least 51 firearms, 24 of which have been recovered by law enforcement agencies in addition to the six seized during Webster and Osborne’s arrest. Of the 24 recovered firearms, 17 were recovered in Chicago or surrounding cities in Illinois.
“Illegal gun sales fuel violence in Indiana, Chicago, and across the country, by putting deadly weapons in the hands of people with no lawful business having them,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The federal prison sentences imposed here demonstrate that straw purchase schemes are serious crimes that carry serious consequences. I commend the ATF and our federal prosecutor for their efforts to reduce gun violence and hold gun traffickers accountable.”
“These defendants were both charged with violating the Gun Control Act by straw purchasing and trafficking firearms,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “In facilitating the flow of firearms to those who are prohibited from possessing them, they bear a measure of responsibility for the violence those firearms cause in our community. I hope this sentence serves as a warning to others who might consider doing this – ATF and our law enforcement partners will work to find you, as well, and hold you accountable for your actions.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Pamela Domash, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Fifteen Individuals Facing Federal Indictment for Gun Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Fifteen individuals have been charged in a federal indictment alleging a conspiracy to straw purchase dozens of firearms from at least six federally licensed firearms dealers in the Central Indiana area.
Each of the following defendants have been charged with conspiring to make false statements during the purchase of a firearm, and one or more counts of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm:
- Daylen Bell, 24, Indianapolis
- Jaylyn Lamont Crenshaw, 25, Indianapolis
- Michaela Evan Day, 27, Indianapolis
- Michael Glen Day, 23, Indianapolis
- Davone Trae Eans, 24, Indianapolis
- Kendall Rayshaun Ezell, 21, Indianapolis
- Anthony Keith Jones, 24, Indianapolis
- Isiah Thomas Keller, 21, Greenfield
- Anthony James Morst, 24, Indianapolis
- Caleb Morris Redman, 23, Indianapolis
- Jordan Devon Ross, 24, Gary
- Derrion Wisdom Scruggs, 23, Unknown
- Michael Coreal Stubbs, 22, Indianapolis
- Demetrius Andre Young, 24, Indianapolis
- Jalen Charles Zimmerman, 23, Indianapolis
According to court documents, from at least November 2020, continuing up to April 8, 2022, Keller, Stubbs, Ezell, Michael Day, and Jones conspired to pay straw purchasers to buy illegally guns from at least six Central Indiana federally licensed firearms dealers on their behalf. This form of gun trafficking is frequently referred to as “straw purchasing.” Straw purchasing occurs when a person who is allowed to legally purchase a gun from a federally licensed dealer falsely states that they are purchasing a firearm for themselves, when they know that the gun is actually intended for someone else.
Keller, Stubbs, Ezell, Michael Day, and Jones paid Redman, Scruggs, Bell, Morst, Ross, Zimmerman, Michaela Day, Eans, Crenshaw, and Young to make straw purchases from federally licensed gun dealers. Keller, Stubbs, Ezell, Michael Day, and Jones then transported the illegally purchased guns to resell them elsewhere.
If convicted, each defendant charged faces up to ten years in federal prison.
The following investigative agencies collaborated to make this investigation and the recent warrant execution possible:
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- Greenfield Police Department
- Hancock County Sheriff’s Office
- Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
- Lawrence Police Department
- United States Marshals Service
Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, thanked Assistant United States Attorney Pamela Domash, who is prosecuting this case.
This case was brought as part of the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF). ICGTF is a partnership of law enforcement officers and analysts from several central Indiana law enforcement agencies in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, Johnson, and Shelby counties. In cooperation with state, local, and federal partners, ICGTF collaborates to address violent crime through a comprehensive strategy including innovative approaches to locating suspects and evidence related to violent crimes and illegal possession of firearms.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Violent Felon Found Guilty in Federal Court for Possessing a Machinegun and Perpetrating over $1 Million Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- A federal jury has found Derrick Barbour, 27, of Indianapolis, guilty of unlawful possession of a machinegun, being a felon-in-possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a USPS Arrow Key, possession of stolen mail, and bank fraud, following a four-day trial.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, early in the morning on February 10, 2023, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers stopped Barbour, who was driving a stolen vehicle. Barbour, the only occupant in the vehicle, refused to exit, despite over 100 commands from law enforcement to do so. Eventually, IMPD SWAT officers physically removed Barbour from the vehicle and placed him under arrest. Searching Barbour’s person, they found a baggie of cocaine in one of his socks and part of a handgun in his other sock.
Later, law enforcement officers searched the vehicle Barbour was driving. Inside, they found two loaded handguns, a 10 mm Glock model 20 handgun that had previously been reported stolen, and a Glock 17 9mm handgun equipped with a “Glock switch”—a small metallic device that converts a semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic machinegun, where one press of the trigger fires multiple rounds. The handgun on which the “Glock switch” was installed had a magazine capable of holding 50 rounds.
Installing a “Glock switch” requires the removal of a part of the handgun. The trial evidence showed that the handgun piece found in Barbour’s sock when he was arrested was the part of the Glock 17 handgun that had been removed to install the “Glock switch.”
The jury found that Barbour’s possession of the “Glock switch” was illegal. Additionally, the jury found that Barbour’s possession of the two handguns was also unlawful, as Barbour had previously been convicted of multiple felonies, including attempted armed robbery, possession of cocaine, and residential entry.
In addition to firearms, law enforcement officers also found a significant amount of stolen mail in the vehicle Barbour was driving. Inside the envelopes were checks and money orders made out to other people and businesses. Also, hanging from Barbour’s keyring were two “arrow keys,” which are used to access U.S. Postal Service collection boxes. Indeed, these specific keys were reported missing in late 2022 from the Bacon Station Post Office in Indianapolis. It is unlawful for any unauthorized person to possess an arrow key. The jury found Barbour guilty of possessing both stolen mail and the arrow keys.
Finally, the jury convicted Barbour of bank fraud for washing the stolen checks and cashing them for himself. The jury saw that, in the trunk of Barbour’s vehicle, investigators recovered a laptop computer, a typewriter, and a duffel bag containing additional checks, as well as blank check stock. Many of the checks had been altered to include Barbour’s name. Additionally, the jury saw evidence that the ribbon of the typewriter found in the vehicle and used to alter the checks included Barbour’s name.
The total value of the checks and money orders recovered from the Chevrolet Impala was approximately $$1,217,639.62
The United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and IMPD investigated this case. U.S District Court Judge James P. Hanlon presided over the trial and will impose sentence at a later date. Barbour faces up to 70 years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Kelsey L. Massa and Meredith Wood, who prosecuted this case.
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- Former Social Security Administration Employee Facing Federal Charges for Fraudulent Telework, Emergency Childcare, and Medical Leave Schemes
Violent Felon and his Accomplice Sentenced to Combined 50 Years in Federal Prison for Eight Armed Robberies and Two Shootings in One MonthRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Tyrell Cage, 29, and Jayla Deane, 36, of Indianapolis have been sentenced to federal prison for a series of armed robberies of Indianapolis businesses in 2021.
Cage was sentenced to forty years in federal prison after pleading guilty to eight counts of interference with commerce by robbery, four counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Cage was also ordered to pay $2,668 in restitution and be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison.
Deane was sentenced to ten years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Deane was also ordered to pay $1,030 in restitution and be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following her release from federal prison.
In total, Cage robbed eight businesses and Deane robbed two:
#
Date
Location
Defendant
1
April 25, 2021
BP Gas Station, Georgetown Rd.
Cage
2
April 25, 2021
McDonalds, East 10th St.
Cage
3
May 19, 2021
Little Caesar’s Pizza, Georgetown Rd.
Cage
4
May 19, 2021
Metro by T-Mobile, East 10th St.
Cage & Deane
5
May 20, 2021
Piezano’s Pizza, Georgetown Rd.
Cage
6
May 23, 2021
Valero Gas Station, Massachusetts Ave.
Cage
7
May 23, 2021
Five Below, West 86th St.
Cage & Deane
8
May 27, 2021
Lion’s Den, Georgetown Rd.
Cage
In each of the robberies, Cage pointed a black handgun at the employees and ordered they give him money from the business. On multiple occasions, Cage threatened that he would shoot the employees if they did not comply with his demands for money.
During the April 25, 2021, attempted robbery of the McDonalds, the cashier told Cage that only managers can open the register and turned his back to get help from the manager. In response, Cage fired three shots at the employee.
During the May 20, 2021, robbery of Piezano’s, Cage forced the employee on the ground after she gave him the money and then duct taped the employee’s hands together.
On May 23, 2021, Cage attempted to rob a Valero gas station of fried chicken and a pack of cigarettes using the same gun. When the employee saw the gun, he reached for the fried chicken. Cage shot the employee in the stomach, critically wounding him. Cage fled from the gas station. The same day, he committed another robbery.
During the two robberies in which Cage and Deane worked together, Deane served as a decoy by distracting employees. While employees were distracted, Cage brandished a black handgun, and demanded cash from the registers.
On June 1, 2021, IMPD officers conducted a court-authorized search and arrest of Cage and Deane at the InTown Suites Hotel on West 85th Street. During a search of the room, investigators located clothing, shoes, hats, and jewelry worn by Deane and Cage during each of the robberies, as well as a phone taken during the robbery of the Metro by T-Mobile and coloring books and pencils taken during the Five Below robbery. Investigators also located the black Taurus G2 9mm semiautomatic handgun used during the robberies.
Cage has been previously convicted of multiple felonies, including robbery and battery resulting in serious bodily injury, which prohibit him from ever legally owning a firearm.
“These defendants engaged in an armed spree of violence and intimidation, critically wounding an innocent person and terrorizing many more,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The lengthy federal prison sentences imposed here demonstrate that these grave offenses carry grave consequences. I commend IMPD, the FBI, and our federal prosecutors for their work to hold these violent criminals accountable and make our communities safer.”
"The outstanding collaboration of the FBI and the IMPD halted this duo's violent crime spree ," said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. "The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to diligently investigate and pursue those who engage in this violent behavior.”
The FBI and IMPD investigated this case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Meredith Wood and former Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence D. Hilton, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Princeton Couple Facing Federal Charges for $1 Million Mail and Identity Theft Scheme and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Michael Jerome Wright, 44, and Cortney Lashea Young, 35, both of Princeton, Indiana, have both been charged with mail theft. Wright is also charged with unlawful possession of a mail key, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of ammunition by a previously convicted felon, and possession of a machinegun. Young was also charged with possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents, in October of 2023, law enforcement officials began receiving numerous complaints about mail theft and check forgery. The reported value of missing, forged, or counterfeited checks totaled more than one million dollars.
In March of 2024, Evansville Police Department Officer began surveilling local United States Postal Service (USPS) collection boxes. On five different occasions, investigators saw Wright open collection boxes with an arrow key around 4:30 in the morning, sort through the mail, then drive off with stolen mail. On at least two of those occasions, investigators saw Young behind the wheel of the getaway car.
The United States Postal Service uses a unique type of lock known as an “arrow lock” to secure USPS collection boxes, lockers, and apartment mailbox panels. These locks can only be opened with an arrow key. It is a crime for anyone not authorized by the Postal Service to knowingly have or use arrow keys.
On April 3, 2023, investigators saw Young drive Wright to a USPS collection box in Evansville. Wright exited the vehicle and took mail from the box. The couple drove away and were stopped by law enforcement officers. Officers searched the vehicle and uncovered an arrow key and stolen mail on the passenger floorboard. Included in the mail located in the vehicle were approximately 100 wedding invitations that had been placed in a USPS collection box the night before.
Investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Wright and Young’s apartment in Princeton and located numerous checks and their corresponding envelopes, many of which had been reported as stolen from the mail. The face value of the stolen checks was in excess of $1 million.
Investigators also found two handguns under the mattress in Young and Wright’s bedroom. One pistol was a partially 3D printed privately made firearm with no serial number. This type of weapon is commonly referred to as a “ghost gun” because it has no records related to its’ manufacture or sale. The second firearm was a Ruger LCP .380 caliber pistol. Investigators also recovered two 30-round extended magazines. The ghost gun had a machinegun conversion device, also called a “Glock switch,” installed, allowing it to fire as a fully-automatic weapon. Glock switches are themselves considered machineguns under federal law, whether or not they are installed in a firearm.
Wright has sustained multiple felony convictions including operating a vehicle as a habitual traffic violator, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and dealing in a synthetic drug, as well as a murder conviction in Cook County, Illinois. Young has sustained a felony conviction for fraud. These prior felony convictions prohibit Wright and Young from ever legally possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The U.S. Secret Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Evansville Police Department investigated this case. Should Wright or Young be convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew B. Miller and Todd S. Shellenbarger, who are prosecuting this case.
A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Indianapolis Men Sentenced to a Combined 17 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery of Southport Road Gas StationRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Bryan Johnson-Taylor, 23, and John Wilson, 19, of Indianapolis, have been sentenced to nine and a half and eight years, respectively, in federal prison, with each followed by three years of supervised release. Both men pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to court documents, on August 1, 2022, at approximately 3:06 A.M., Johnson-Taylor and Wilson entered the Circle K gas station on East Southport Road in Indianapolis. Once inside, the pair brandished semi-automatic handguns and pointed them at the victim employee, demanding money from the register. Both men removed cash from the register, stole cigarettes from shelf, and took the victim employee’s cell phone.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers were able to track the robbers whereabouts using electronic surveillance. Officers with the Beech Grove Police Department located the men approximately one-half mile north of the Circle K. In Wilson’s backpack, officers located a Glock 9mm caliber handgun, as well as the stolen cigarettes and cash. Johnson-Taylor was located hiding in nearby bushes with another backpack. Next to where Johnson-Taylor was hiding, officers located a Glock Model 45 handgun.
“Armed criminals who terrorize our community must be held accountable,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I am thankful for the quick reaction of the responding IMPD and Beech Grove officers, preventing the defendants from getting away with their crimes and further endangering the public. The serious federal prison sentence imposed here demonstrates our commitment to working closely with the FBI, and all our partners in federal, state, and local law enforcement as we seek to reduce gun violence.”
The FBI investigated this case, with valuable assistance provided by IMPD and the Beech Grove Police Department. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jayson McGrath, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Louisville Father Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Enticing Two Indiana Children to Obtain Sexually Explicit Material via FacebookRead the Press Release
TERRE HAUTE- Anthony Michael Bentley, 30, of Louisville, has been sentenced to seventeen years in federal prison, followed by fifteen years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of making false statements to the FBI. Bentley must also pay $10,000 in restitution to the minor victims.
According to court documents, from August 17 to August 22 of 2018, Bentley directed and coerced Minor Victim 1, who was 12 years old at the time, to send him sexually explicit images and videos via Facebook Messenger. Additionally, from January of 2018 through early 2020, Bentley directed and coerced Minor Victim 2, who was 17 years old at the time she met Bentley, to send him sexually explicit videos via Facebook Messenger. In both instances, Bentley sent messages coaching the children on how to take the explicit photos and videos.
Bentley misrepresented his name, image, and age on Facebook to entice the minor victims to communicate with him. He used the alias “Chris Jones” to hide his true identity and used photos of a young man he found online, identified as Individual 1, without his consent. Bentley also sent nude images of Individual 1 to Minor Victim 1 and claimed that they were pictures of himself. Investigators later learned that Individual 1 was a minor in those photographs.
On March 7, 2020, FBI investigators executed a search warrant at Bentley’s residence in Kentucky. At the time, Bentley told officials he did not have any knowledge of the Facebook account belonging to Chris Jones and claimed that he no longer had his old cell phone. However, investigators located the old cell phone under the carpet of a locked safe inside Bentley’s home. The cell phone contained the evidence and photographs of Individual 1 used on the fake Facebook account.
Investigators discovered that Bentley was using the Chris Jones Facebook account to communicate with females – including the minor victims – all hours of the day, including while his newborn child was sick in the hospital and while he was on family vacations.
“This supposed family man posed as an attractive teen boy on Facebook to win the trust of underage girls and entice them to send him sexually explicit material—exploiting children as young as just twelve years old for his own gratification,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Making his crimes worse, Bentley distributed nude images of the minor boy whose pictures he stole to create his alias, casting suspicion on an innocent person. He then lied to the FBI when he was discovered and confronted. Unfortunately, sexual predators know that social media platforms like Facebook are a fertile hunting ground. We urge caring adults to talk to their children about staying safe online. Thanks to the efforts of the FBI and our federal prosecutors, this criminal has been held accountable and the public will be safe from him for many years.”
The FBI investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Sarah Evans Barker.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Adam J. Eakman and MaryAnn T. Mindrum, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
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United States Attorney’s Office Hosts Roundtable on Sexual Harassment in HousingRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Inspector General (OIG) hosted a roundtable today, April 19th, 2024, for community organizations to discuss the problem of sexual harassment in housing.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division launched the Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative, an effort to combat sexual harassment in housing, in October 2017. The Initiative seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance works, loan officers, and other people who have control over housing, as well as build strong partnerships in the community to combat this problem together. In March 2023, HUD OIG launched an initiative to address the egregious civil and criminal sexual misconduct allegations involving federally subsidized housing. This initiative, which furthers HUD OIG’s mission of preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse within HUD, protects HUD’s programs and the vulnerable beneficiaries of these programs from abuse involving sexual misconduct.
Event attendees included organizations that work with vulnerable populations who are most likely to become victims of sexual harassment in housing including legal aid offices, fair housing organizations, shelters and transitional housing providers, as well as federal and local government agencies from across the state of Indiana.
While most people are familiar with the problem of sexual harassment in the workplace, harassment also occurs in housing. The Department of Justice, through the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Civil Rights Division, enforces the federal Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by the Act.
The Justice Department brings cases each year involving egregious conduct, including allegations that defendants have exposed themselves sexually to current or prospective tenants, requested sexual acts in exchange for reduced rents or making necessary repairs, made unrelenting and unwanted sexual advances to tenants, and evicted tenants who resisted their sexual overtures.
“Sexual harassment in housing might not be as visible as harassment in the workplace but can be just as egregious, and is often underreported,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Landlords or superintendents using the power they have over tenants to extort sexual acts, or even commit assaults, is intolerable. Our office is dedicated to uncovering such violations where they exist and vigorously enforcing the law.”
“HUD tenants deserve to feel safe in their homes without the threat of their landlord or anyone in a position of power over their housing, making sexual demands or overtures,” said Inspector General Rae Oliver Davis. “HUD OIG is committed to working with the U.S Attorney and the DOJ to hold accountable landlords who prey on vulnerable tenants and housing applicants.”
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey Preston, Joi Kamper, and Adriana Figueroa for their work in affirmative civil enforcement of our civil rights laws.
Local police departments or legal aid offices may be able to help victims if the behavior is a crime or if there is an imminent eviction.
If you or someone you know has information about or has been a victim of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or sexual exploitation—even if the events occurred years ago—report it to the HUD Office of Inspector General Hotline at 1-800-347-3735 or visit the website at www.hudoig.gov/hotline. You may also file a complaint with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing/fileacomplaint.
Individuals who believe they may have been victims of discrimination may also file a complaint with the U.S. Attorney’s Office at www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/civil-rights or by email to [email protected]. More information about the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
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Ten-Time Robber Sentenced to Eleven Years in Federal Prison for $20,000 Robbery of Carmel Credit UnionRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Marty McConnell, 64, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to eleven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to bank robbery.
According to court documents, on May 8, 2023, the defendant entered a Teachers Credit Union in Carmel, Indiana, approached the bank teller and gave him a note threatening to “blow [the teller’s] f*****g head off” unless he handed over all the money at his station. The teller gave the defendant $20,000 and he subsequently left the credit union.
Carmel Police Department Officers immediately arrived on the scene and quickly located Mr. McConnell. During a recorded interview with officers, McConnell admitted to committing the robbery and keeping the majority of money in his car. He also stated that he used a portion of money from the robbery to get his car out of pawn, buy new shoes, and buy drugs. Officers searched McConnell’s vehicle and located $12,600 in cash and the clothing worn during the robbery.
Before robbing the Carmel Teachers Credit Union, McConnell was convicted of three armed robberies, six other robberies, and three batteries over a thirty-year span. He was most recently discharged from parole in November 2020, after his release from prison for a prior robbery spree.
“For three decades this violent criminal has terrorized innocent people, seeking quick money through force, violence, and intimidation. His crime spree stops here,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Violent crimes rob entire communities of their safety and peace of mind. Working closely with our partners at the Carmel Police Department and FBI, our federal prosecutors will continue our work to make our communities safer and hold violent, repeat criminals accountable.”
“This sentence sends a clear message that robbing a bank in Indiana will result in significant time in federal prison,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “Our law enforcement partnerships ensure that those engaging in violent behavior will be caught and held accountable.”
The FBI investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon. Judge Hanlon also ordered that McConnell be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison and pay $20,000 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy C. Fugate, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Mother-Daughter Duo Sentenced to a Total of Twelve Years in Federal Prison for Robberies of Six Indianapolis BanksRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Sierra Hunt, 56, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 68 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to bank robbery.
In October of 2023, Sierra’s daughter, Shamiya Hunt, was sentenced to 76 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to bank robbery and attempted bank robbery while on supervised release for a previous heroin trafficking conviction.
According to court documents, between April 9 and April 15, 2022, Sierra Hunt robbed four Chase Banks in the Indianapolis area. In each robbery, she approached the teller, gave a note demanding the teller put money in the bag and no one would get hurt, and left with cash. As a result of the four bank robberies committed by Sierra, the banks suffered a loss of $26,655.
One of the notes was written on the back of a Family Dollar store receipt. IMPD officers used that receipt to locate Sierra and subsequently arrest her. However, she was released on bond in April. While out on bond, Sierra assisted her daughter, Shamiya Hunt, as a getaway driver in two additional bank robberies.
In total, Sierra robbed four banks and participated in two additional bank robberies as the getaway driver. Shamiya robbed two banks:
#
DATE
LOCATION
DEFENDANT
1
April 9, 2022
Chase Bank
West 38th St.
Sierra Hunt
2
April 11, 2022
Chase Bank Cunningham Rd.
Sierra Hunt
3
April 13, 2022
Chase Bank
North Michigan St.
Sierra Hunt
4
April 15, 2022
Chase Bank
South East St.
Sierra Hunt
5
October 25, 2022
Chase Bank
Cunningham Rd.
Shamiya Hunt
Sierra Hunt- Driver
6
October 25, 2022
Regions Bank
E. 86th St.
Shamiya Hunt
Sierra Hunt-Driver
Sierra Hunt has been previously convicted of multiple felonies including theft, conversion, and child selling.
“It is incredibly disheartening to see a mother and daughter working together to victimize so many folks who were just going about their day working at and patronizing the bank,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Thanks to the quick investigative work of the FBI, these defendants have been held accountable for their actions. The serious federal prison sentence imposed here demonstrates that these crimes carry serious consequences.”
This case was investigated by the FBI. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge, Tanya Walton Pratt. Judge Pratt also ordered that Hunt be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following her release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy C. Fugate, who prosecuted these cases.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Trio Sentenced to Combined 43 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine from Arizona into EvansvilleRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Marion Duane Taylor, 71, of Illinois, Ricardo Sodari, 49, of Arizona, and Christopher Utley, 52, of Evansville, have been sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Marion Duane Taylor was convicted by federal jury in 2023 of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 24 years in federal prison followed by ten years of supervised release. Taylor had a previous federal conviction for drug trafficking. In 1998, he was convicted of conspiracy to manufacture and possess with intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon.
Ricardo Sodari was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Christopher Utley was sentenced to five years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on April 23, 2021, members of the Phoenix DEA observed Taylor meet with Sodari in the parking lot of Taylor’s hotel. Sodari placed a suitcase in the back of Taylor’s vehicle before eventually leaving the area. As Taylor passed through Kingman, Arizona, deputies with the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop of Taylor’s vehicle. After a K-9 unit alerted on the vehicle, officers searched the vehicle and found a duffle bag that contained approximately 24.4 pounds of methamphetamine. The officers also searched Taylor’s pockets and found $24,900 in currency.
During an interview with DEA agents, Taylor identified Sodari as his methamphetamine source of supply. Taylor admitted that he had been distributing methamphetamine for approximately five or six months and paid Sodari approximately $2,000 per pound of methamphetamine when acquiring twenty or more pounds. Taylor admitted that he made numerous trips to the Arizona area to acquire methamphetamine and that he distributed that methamphetamine to one customer in Evansville identified as Christopher Utley. Taylor indicated that he usually “fronted” Utley methamphetamine for $5,000 a pound.
Law enforcement officer searched Taylor’s phone and found his drug ledger for Utley. According to the drug ledger, in early April 2021, Utley owed Taylor $82,500 for previously “fronted” methamphetamine.
On May 3, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a warrant to search Utley’s residence. During the search, officers located approximately 19.3 grams of methamphetamine, numerous digital scales, a pistol, a sawed-off shotgun, and $39,692 in currency.
“Drug trafficking organizations who push deadly drugs like methamphetamine into our communities seek profits without regard for the deaths and lasting trauma they cause,” said United States Attorney for the Southern District for Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “Dismantling these criminal networks through comprehensive investigations and prosecutions is a top priority for federal, state, and local law enforcement. The convictions and sentences imposed here demonstrate that trafficking in these deadly drugs carries very serious consequences.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force, Evansville Police Department, and Mohave County, Arizona Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. This case is part of the Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Kristian Mukoski, Lauren Wheatley, and Matthew Miller, who prosecuted this case.
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Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 29 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robberies of Six Indianapolis Restaurants and Shooting at an EmployeeRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Lamont Vales, 25, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 29 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to six counts of interference with commerce by robbery, two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to court documents, between December 29, 2019, and January 22, 2020, Lamont Vales robbed six Indianapolis Arby’s and Subway restaurants at gunpoint. During each robbery he pretended to be a customer. Once he reached the register, he brandished a pistol at with an extended magazine and ordered employees to give him cash from the restaurant’s register or safe. The robberies the Defendant committed are summarized as follows:
DATE
RESTURANT
December 29, 2019
Subway
5389 Rockville Rd
January 9, 2020
Arby’s
801 W 10th St
January 13, 2020
Arby’s
3846 Lafayette Rd
January 14, 2020
Subway
4088 Pendleton Way
January 17, 2020
Subway
6225 W 56th St
January 22, 2020
Arby’s
801 W 10th St
On January 22, 2020, Vales again robbed the same Arby’s he robbed thirteen days earlier. One of the employees who was aware of the previous robbery began chasing Vales. The chase lasted for about a block before Vales tumed around and fired four shots at the employee. The employee was physically unharmed.
Evidence technicians located 9mm shell casings at the crime scene were able to locate fingerprints that identified Vales as the suspect. IMPD detectives conducted a court-authorized search of Vales’ residence. Investigators seized the clothing and shoes worn by Vales in the six robberies. During a recorded interview, Vales admitted to committing each of the six robberies using a 9mm semiautomatic pistol.
At the time of his arrest, Vales had been previously convicted of carrying a handgun without a license and has a pending charge for battery resulting in serious bodily injury.
“Six times in three short weeks, this armed criminal terrorized employees and patrons of Indianapolis restaurants,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “No one should be forced to fear for their lives simply because they went to work or for a bite to eat. To make our neighborhoods safer, gun violence must be met with serious consequences. Our federal prosecutors are committed to working with the outstanding investigators of the FBI and IMPD to ensure that violent, armed criminals are taken off our streets and held accountable for the damage they cause.”
The FBI and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman. Judge Brookman also ordered that Vales be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison and pay $1,100 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Corbin D. Houston, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Justice Department Secures $1.37 Million Settlement for Pollution Cleanup Costs at Former A.A. Oil Site in IndianapolisRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Todd Kim, Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) at the U.S. Department of Justice, announced today that the Justice Department has entered a consent decree granting the United States money for environmental clean-up costs, along with declaratory relief for costs associated with possible future remediation, relating to the A.A. Oil Site, located at 2340 S Tibbs Avenue, on the Southwest side of Indianapolis.
From the 1950s to the late 1980s, A.A. Oil Co., Inc., a division of Cam-Or, Inc., operated the Site as a waste oil collection, storage, and transfer facility. The waste oil was collected from garages, gas stations, oil change facilities, automobile dealers, and trucking companies, and was stored at the Site and then shipped to the Cam-Or facility in Westville, Indiana.
In 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted a site cleanup to remove the hazardous substances and contaminated surface soil and analyze any imminent or substantial endangerment to the public health or the environment.
On February 13, 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and ENRD sued the defendant companies pursuant to Section 107 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), a federal environmental remediation program that authorizes the United States to recover costs incurred in response to the release and threatened release of hazardous substances.
The complaint alleged that the site was contaminated by oil and other hazardous materials over past decades and, as a result, is contaminated with trichloroethylene, polychlorinated biphenyls, and other volatile organic compounds (benzene, toluene, and xylenes, among others) in soil, groundwater, and storage tanks.
As part of the resolution, the defendants, Arconic Corporation, Navistar Inc., and Ford Motor Company, agreed to pay the federal government a total of $1.37 million dollars without admission of liability. The complaint alleged that the defendant companies (in the case of Arconic and Navistar, through their predecessor corporations) transported hazardous materials to the Site, thus rendering them liable for these clean-up costs.
“All residents of the Southern District of Indiana deserve a safe, healthy, and pollution-free community,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “The Department of Justice is committed to aggressively pursuing environmental enforcement and to holding polluters accountable.”
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Taylor Kirklin, the Office’s Environmental Justice Coordinator, Samantha M. Ricci, Trial Attorney with ENRD’s Environmental Enforcement Section, for their work on this case.
Members of the public who have concerns about environmental matters, including matters involving environmental justice issues, in the Southern District of Indiana can report them to the U.S. Attorney’s office via email to [email protected].
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Former Health Insurance Coverage Supervisor Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzling Nearly One Million Dollars from EmployerRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Yolanda Brooks, 52, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud.
According to court documents, Yolanda Brooks was employed by Company A as a Medicaid Supervisor from December 16, 2005, until July 2, 2020. Company A processed medical insurance claims on behalf of Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance companies.
Brooks’ responsibilities included processing medical care claims to be paid by Medicaid and other medical insurance carriers. In performance of her duties, Brooks had access to checks in the possession of Company A, which were to be processed as refunds or reimbursements to their clients.
In March and July of 2018, Brooks opened two personal bank accounts at Key Bank in her maiden name, Yolanda Mohid. The address listed for both accounts was Brook’s personal residence in Indianapolis. Other than the introductory title of ‘Yolanda Mohid’ on each account, the account names were similar to the names of clients of Company A.
Between March 22, 2018, and July 23, 2021, Brooks took approximately 486 checks mailed to Company A in the total amount of $920,148.51 and deposited them into her two personal bank accounts referenced above. Brooks falsely represented to the bank that she was authorized to negotiate said checks and deposit them into her personal accounts.
Brooks used the stolen money for her own personal purposes, including shopping at Victoria’s Secret, casino gambling, and luxury vacations.
“Nearly five hundred times, this defendant abused her position of trust to steal nearly a million dollars intended to pay people’s healthcare costs,” said U.S. Attorney, Zachary A. Myers. “Our office is committed to working with our partners at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to hold fraudsters accountable. The serious federal prison sentence imposed here should serve as a warning to any who might consider engaging in this sort of scheme: you will be caught, you will be prosecuted, and you will potentially go to federal prision.”
“Solving complex financial crimes such as this is one of the many things we do as postal inspectors. I commend the investigative efforts of our postal inspectors in this case, as well as our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office, in unraveling this elaborate scheme and holding Ms. Brooks responsible for her crime,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge for the Detroit Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. Judge Stinson also ordered that Brooks be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following her release from federal prison and pay a total of $920,148.51 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Warden and who prosecuted this case.
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Indy Man Sentenced to over 28 Years in Federal Prison for Molesting and Exploiting 12-Year-Old Boy While BabysittingRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Ronald May, 54, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 340 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child.
According to court documents, the victim was a twelve-year old boy living with his mother in Indianapolis. In the spring of 2023, Ronald May and the mother worked at the same company. The mother was a store manager, and her duties occasionally required her to work overnight shifts. May volunteered to babysit her son while she was at work overnight.
Beginning on March 5, 2023, and continuing until April 28, 2023, May purchased items for the child, “wrestled” with him, required him to sleep in May’s bed together nude, showed the boy adult pornography, and discussed sexual activity with the child. Individuals with a sexual interest in children engage in these behaviors, often referred to as “grooming,” to build trusting relationships with potential victims and lower their defenses to sexual exploitation by adults.
May sexually assaulted the boy during the forced “wrestling” sessions. May also used his cellphone to take at least 39 sexually explicit images of the child.
On April 23, 2023, the mother discovered the abuse and reported May to police. After the police searched his home, May began to harass the mother by constantly calling and sending her text messages. May also drove by the mother’s home after the search and sent threatening messages including, “u can’t hide I know where u live.”
“This criminal’s actions are every parent’s nightmare. Every day, children are horrifically abused by predators like this defendant, who work insidiously to build trust—while hiding the worst of intentions,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The exploitation of our children is utterly unacceptable in a civilized society, and pedophiles like this one will be held accountable for their crimes. Thanks to the hard work of investigators and prosecutors, this man will never harm another child.”
The U.S. Secret Service and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. Chief Judge Pratt ordered that May be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 20 years following his release from federal prison and pay $10,000 in restitution to the child victim.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany J. Preston, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
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Indianapolis Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to a Decade in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Pierre Burnett III, 27, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
According to court documents, on July 22, 2021, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and detectives with the Metro Drug Task Force were conducting surveillance on a known drug house in Indianapolis. At approximately 3:45 p.m., Burnett exited the house with a black trash bag that contained rectangular, brick like objects and drove away in a red Dodge Ram.
At approximately 4:03 p.m., an Indiana State Police attempted to perform a traffic stop of Burnett. Burnett fled at a high rate of speed. After a brief chase northbound along River Road in Indianapolis, Burnett nearly struck multiple vehicles as he sped through intersections and the Trooper discontinued the pursuit.
Burnett drove to River Ridge Apartments in Indianapolis and discarded a black trash bag and orange backpack into nearby bushes. Officers later searched the bags and found them to contain approximately six kilograms of cocaine as well as $71,500 in banded cash.
DEA agents and Indiana State Police Troopers used a K9 officer to locate and arrest Burnett. On his person, the agents located $2,000 in banded cash and three grams of fentanyl in a baggie. Law enforcement officers also seized the red Dodge Ram and searched it, locating a loaded.45 caliber handgun in the driver’s side door.
“The federal prison sentence imposed against this armed drug dealer demonstrates that there will be serious consequences for those who traffic in deadly drugs with utter disregard for human life,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “Our federal prosecutors are committed to working closely with the DEA, Metro Drug Task Force, and Indiana State Police to take dealers off our streets because these poisons are ravaging our communities and loved ones.”
“The Indiana State Police will continue to engage with, and provide the necessary resources to its federal, county and local law enforcement partners in an effort to not only keep these dangerous and potentially deadly drugs out of our communities, but to also hold those responsible for transporting and trafficking them into those communities,” said Captain Ron Galaviz.
“The DEA remains committed to working hand in hand with our state and local partners to make our communities a safer place. Individuals like Mr. Burnett who are distributing multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine into our communities must be held accountable their actions,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge J. Michael Gannon.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Metro Drug Task Force, and Indiana State Police conducted this investigation together. This collaborative effort was essential to the outcome of the investigation. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman. Judge Brookman also ordered that Burnett be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for five years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jayson W. McGrath, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Illegally Armed Domestic Abuser Sentenced to over Two Years in Federal Prison After Threatening to Kill Girlfriend with GunRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Jose de Jesus Rodriguez-Soto a/k/a Pedro Torres, 34, of Mexico, has been sentenced to 28 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
According to court documents, on June 27, 2023, IMPD officers were dispatched to investigate a domestic violence incident near Eagledale, in Indianapolis. Once officers arrived, the victim’s daughter reported that Torres came to their home with a pump-action shotgun and threatened to “kill them all.” Torres was still at the home and sitting in his vehicle with the firearm visible. Torres resisted the officers, but they were ultimately able to safely arrest him and secure the weapon.
The victim later informed officers that Torres sent her threatening text messages, which included a picture of the shotgun he brought to her home. Later that evening, Torres called the victim from jail and attempted to get her to drop the charges against him.
Torres is a Mexican national who was in the United States without lawful authorization, prohibiting him from legally possessing a firearm.
“Violent, illegally armed abusers pose a profound danger to those closest to them, police, and the entire community,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Through our LEATH initiative, federal prosecutors will continue to work hand in hand with HSI, IMPD, and law enforcement agencies across the district to save lives by disarming domestic abusers and removing them from our communities.”
Homeland Security Investigations and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young. Judge Young also ordered that Torres be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for two years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy C. Fugate, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of the LEATH Initiative (Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence), named in honor of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A partnership among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the IMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the LEATH Initiative focuses federal, state, and local law enforcement resources on domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Fishers Investment Advisor Sentenced to Four Years in Federal Prison for Embezzling $4.6 MillionRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Christopher Turean, 43, of Fishers, has been sentenced to four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and filing a false tax return.
According to court documents, from September 2012 to February 2022, Turean was employed as an investment advisor. Sometime around 2015, the victim individual became one of Turean’s clients. The victim deposited their personal funds into an investment account managed by an investment company, and Turean was to invest this money on the victim’s behalf.
On July 16, 2019, Turean created a company called “SCNT LLC” and opened a bank account that he alone controlled. Turean quickly began to transfer money from the victim’s investment account to his SCNT account. Turean then used the victim’s investment money to gamble and pay down a home equity loan on his house. Turean concealed his illegal activity from his employer and the victim by sending fraudulent updates describing the embezzled funds as investments in real estate.
In total, Turean stole $4,692,500 from the victim. He also failed to report the illicit income on his taxes, filing false returns that concealed approximately $1,745,246 in taxes owed.
“Investors have a right to trust that professionals obligated to act in their best interests aren’t stealing their hard-earned money,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This criminal used his position as a trusted professional to steal nearly five million dollars, and ten concealed nearly two million dollars in taxes owed. The serious prison sentence imposed here demonstrates the commitment of IRS-CI, USPIS, and our federal prosecutors to aggressively prosecute financial crimes and hold fraudsters accountable.”
“Turean abused his position of trust by stealing from his investors for his own selfish purposes. He not only violated the law, but he also betrayed the trust and confidence of his investors who relied on him to act in their best interests,” said Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “This case should serve as a stark reminder of the vital importance of safeguarding one's personal finances and remaining vigilant against those who seek to exploit their positions of trust for personal gain.”
IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman. Judge Brookman also ordered that Turean be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison and pay $6,417,746 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Adam Eakman, who prosecuted this case.
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Two Men Sentenced to a Combined 44 Years in Federal Prison After Armed Robberies of Ten Indianapolis Businesses in One MonthRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Adam Reed and William Dodd have both been sentenced for their roles in a string of armed robberies across Indianapolis in the summer of 2020.
Adam Reed, 25, of North Carolina has been sentenced to 29 years in federal prison after robbing ten Indianapolis businesses at gunpoint and pleading guilty to ten counts of interference with commerce by robbery and four counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Reed must also pay $7,850.29 in restitution.
William Dodd, 23, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after robbing three Indianapolis businesses at gunpoint with Reed and pleading guilty to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Dodd must also pay $2,429.29 in restitution.
According to court documents, on August 17, 2020, Reed and Dodd robbed the El Rey Del Taco on North High School Road. Reed and Dodd took turns pointing a handgun at employees and demanding cash from the register. The duo also robbed three employees of the cash in their wallets.
Just two days later, Reed and Dodd robbed the Dollar General on North Arlington Avenue. Dodd pointed the gun at an employee and demanded he open the register and safe. Reed emptied the register, while Dodd emptied the safe, before both men ran from the store.
Seven additional robberies were conducted solely by Adam Reed. In each instance, Reed threatened and held employees at gun point before stealing cash from the registers or safes.
On September 15, 2020, Reed robbed a T-Mobile store and fired four shots at the front door, after an employee told Reed she had called the police. Just a few hours later, Reed robbed a Dollar General. When an IMPD officer arrived at the store, Reed grabbed the store manager and pointed a gun at her neck, using her as a human shield to get to the back of the store. Reed fled from the store and tossed the firearm over a fence before surrendering to police.
In total, Reed robbed ten businesses at gunpoint, and Dodd participated in three of the robberies:
#
DATE
LOCATION
DEFENDANT
1
August 17, 2020
El Rey del Taco
N, High School Rd.Reed & Dodd
2
August 19, 2020
Dollar General
N. Arlington Ave.Reed & Dodd
3
August 25, 2020
Dollar General
38th St. & and N. College Ave.Reed
4
August 28, 2020
Dollar General
S. Emerson Ave.Reed
5
September 6, 2020
Family Dollar
E. Morris St.Reed
6
September 8, 2020
Boost Mobile
E. Washington St.Reed
7
September 10, 2020
O’Reilly Auto Parts
E. Raymond St.Reed & Dodd
8
September 14, 2020
Family Dollar
E. Washington St.
Reed
9
September 15, 2020
Metro by T-Mobile
E. Washington St.Reed
10
September 15, 2020
Dollar General
English Ave.Reed
“For a month, these criminals terrorized innocent employees and customers across Indianapolis, holding their victims at gunpoint as they wondered if they’d ever see their loved ones again,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “No one should fear for their lives simply because they went shopping or to work. The serious federal prison sentences imposed here demonstrate that IMPD, the FBI, and our federal prosecutors are committed to protecting our communities from gun violence and holding armed criminals accountable.”
“The defendants chose to engage in these violent attacks that put the community at risk and these lengthy sentences should send a clear message that those who jeopardize the safety of others will be held accountable,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “This is just another example of the value of collaborating with our law enforcement partners to fight violent crime.”
The FBI and IMPD investigated this case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. Judge Stinson also ordered that Reed and Dodd must be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years each following their release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle M. Sawa and Meredith Wood, as well as former Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence Hilton, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Martin County Sex Offender Sentenced to a Decade in Federal Prison after Investigators Locate His Collection Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Ryan Watkins, 47, of Loogootee, Martin County, Indiana, has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of sexually explicit material involving minors.
According to court documents, on multiple occasions between January and April of 2023, Ryan Watkins viewed and downloaded images of child sexual abuse material to his cell phone linked to an internet cloud-based data storage platform.
Investigators examined the files and found more than 600 images depicting minors under twelve years old engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Images depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct were also located by investigators in a Google Chrome cache folder and download folders on Watkins’ cellphone.
In May of 2010, Watkins was convicted of felony Child Molestation, in Davies County, Indiana and was a registered sex offender at the time he was viewing the sexually explicit material involving minors.
“This previously convicted child molester chose to continue seeking gratification from the sexual abuse of children,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary A. Myers. “He didn’t care about the trauma that was inflicted on these victims, so long as he could enjoy this heinous material. Thanks to the U.S. Secret Service, Indiana State Police, and our federal prosecutor, our children are safer, and this dangerous offender is back behind bars where he belongs.”
The United States Secret Service and the Indiana State Police investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young. Judge Young also ordered that Watkins be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for fifteen years following his release from federal prison and that he must pay $6,000 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
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Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children as Young as Three Years OldRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Dustin Rose, 33, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child sex abuse material.
According to court documents, over a four-year period, Dustin Rose engaged in sexually explicit conduct with three children and took photographs of the conduct.
In 2018, Rose took photos zooming in on the clothed genital area of a girl under the age of 16. Rose also took a photograph of himself grabbing the clothed breast of the girl, who was a relative of a woman Rose had been dating.
Between November 2020 and August 2022, Rose repeatedly fondled the breasts of another girl while she was asleep in her bedroom. This child was under the age of 12 and was a relative of a woman Rose was dating during that time.
In August of 2022, Rose’s relationship with that woman ended and he moved out of the house. After Rose moved out, the woman found a microSD card that belonged to Rose. The woman viewed the contents of the microSD card and found multiple sexually explicit images.
On October 19, 2022, IMPD officers arrested Rose. When Rose was taken into custody, police seized a cell phone that he was holding in his hand. Investigators found multiple sexually explicit images depicting a young girl three to four-years-old, including an image of Rose touching the child’s exposed pubic area.
An examination of Rose’s cell phone showed that he had a Dropbox account containing multiple images and videos of unknown children, including pre-pubescent children, being raped and sexually abused. In total, Rose possessed more than 600 images of child sexual abuse material.
“No child should suffer sexual abuse, especially at the hands of individuals they and their families believed they could trust,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “For years, this predator exploited multiple children to satisfy his criminal sexual desires. The U.S. Secret Service, IMPD, and federal prosecutors worked tirelessly to remove this offender from the community and stop the abuse. Thanks to their efforts, and those who brought the abuse to the attention of law enforcement, Mr. Rose will now spend decades in federal prison, where he cannot sexually abuse another child.”
“The U.S. Secret Service is a proud member of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Adams, of the U. S. Secret Service’s Indianapolis Field Office. “The Secret Service is honored to partner with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and support their work in this investigation and the pursuit of those who choose to victimize children.”
U.S. Secret Service and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon. Judge Hanlon also ordered that Rose be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for life following his release from federal prison and register as a sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kyle M. Sawa and former Assistant United States Attorney Kristina M. Korobov, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to over a Decade in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery of Far East Side Dollar GeneralRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Devron Coleman, 39, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 121 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to Interference of Commerce by Robbery, Brandishing a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
According to court documents, on August 30, 2023, Coleman entered the Dollar General store located on the far east side of Indianapolis and brandished a firearm at an employee, demanding cash from the register. Coleman inadvertently stole a tracking device from the store when he collected the cash, leading IMPD officers to locate him at his Indianapolis residence quickly after.
Officers obtained a search warrant and recovered $200 in cash and a Smith and Wesson firearm used in the robbery on Coleman’s person.
At the time of his arrest, Coleman had been previously convicted of multiple felonies including two counts of being a felon in possession of a handgun, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, and pointing a firearm at another person. These felony convictions prohibit Coleman under federal law from ever legally possessing a firearm.
“Reducing violence is a top priority for this office and illegally armed felons in particular will continue to be the target of our investigative resources,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “Repeat violent offenders face lengthy terms in federal prison because we know they pose a higher risk to the community. I commend the FBI and IMPD, and our federal prosecutor, for their work to quickly arrest the defendant and hold him accountable.”
“Our communities are put at serious risk when felons illegally arm themselves and endanger others in the process,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue our efforts to hold those accountable who choose to violate federal law.”
The FBI and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. Chief Judge Pratt also ordered that Coleman be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for five years following his release from federal prison and pay $200 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy C. Fugate, who prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Greenfield Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of Children in Person and Online, via Instagram, Snapchat, and X (Twitter) Account “maps.syb”Read the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Bobby Cyprus Linhart, 22, of Greenfield, Indiana has been charged with one count of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of distribution of child sexual abuse material, and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material.
According to the complaint, on May 13, 2023, investigators with the Hamilton County Metro Child Exploitation Task Force (HCMCETF) received a tip from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children regarding suspected files of child sexual abuse material that had been uploaded to accounts on popular social media sites, Instagram, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter) by a user called “maps.syb.”
According to the complaint, “Maps.syb” was an account used by Bobby Linhart. Linhart was allegedly engaging in sexually explicit conversations with girls who identified themselves to be between the ages of 12 and 15 years old. In addition to having sexually explicit conversations, Linhart was able to coerce the children to produce and send to him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves. Linhart also allegedly arranged to meet minors in person to engage in sexual activity.
HCMCETF discovered that Linhart traveled to at least three different cities, one which was out of state, to have sex or attempt to have sex with underage children. In at least one of these instances, Linhart sexually abused a 12-year-old girl. Further, Linhart distributed videos and pictures of children that he had obtained from various victims to another child.
On March 19, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Linhart’s home in Greenfield and recovered 40 THC vape pens, marijuana, fentanyl drug test kits, suspected cocaine, LSD, and Xanax, and a Springfield XD 9mm handgun. They further seized devices containing evidence of possession of sexually explicit depictions of children.
Investigators believe that Linhart messaged and abused other victims. If you or your child believe you have been a victim of “map.syb” or Bobby Linhart, please contact 317-595-3300 or online at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=945#
Hamilton County Metro Child Exploitation Task Force (affiliate of the Indiana Crimes Against Children Task Force) and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating this case. Should Linhart be convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany J. Preston and Meredith Wood, who are prosecuting this case.
This investigation is being conducted by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a multiagency task force led by the Indiana State Police that investigates and prosecutes persons who use the internet to sexually exploit or entice children. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse. Visit https://www.in.gov/isp/icactf/ to learn more about their efforts.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Repeat Felon on Community Corrections Sentenced to Nearly Five Years in Federal Prison for Selling Firearms via FacebookRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Deshawn Washington, 22, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegal possession of firearms by a felon.
According to court documents, on June 6, 2023, detectives with the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF) conducted a search of Deshawn Washington’s residence on the far East side of Indianapolis in relation to the illegal sale of firearms. At the time, Washington was on Marion County Community Corrections and GPS monitoring for a 2022 conviction for carrying a handgun without a license. Washington had been released from the Indiana Department of Correction custody on May 12, 2023, following felony convictions for possession of a machine gun and dealing in marijuana.
Detectives previously found Facebook messages in which Washington, under the alias “Dondre Willis,” arranged to sell an AR-style pistol and provided a photograph of the firearm. Washington was selling the firearms out of his registered community corrections address.
Officers arrested Washington at his home just 25 days after his release from jail and located a Glock 43, 9mm semiautomatic handgun in his front right pocket. The firearm had a live 9mm cartridge in the chamber and 6 additional live 9mm cartridges in the magazine. In the living room, officers located a 5.56 AR-variant pistol with a high-capacity magazine and a live .223 round in the chamber, as well as 24 additional rounds in the magazine. This firearm appeared identical to the firearm Washington was offering to sell on Facebook.
At the time of his arrest, Washington had been previously convicted of multiple felonies, including possession of a machinegun and two counts of carrying a handgun without a license. These felony convictions prohibit Washington from ever again legally possessing a firearm.
“Again and again, this felon has been convicted for crimes involving illegal firearms possession. Nevertheless, he continued to illegally possess and even traffic in guns,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Armed felons and illegal gun trafficking fuel the gun violence that kills and injures far to many in our communities. Our partnership with the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force and ATF is designed to identify and track the most dangerous repeat offenders and get them off the street before they can put more deadly weapons in the hands of individuals banned from having them.”
“The continued illegal possession of firearms clearly shows the defendant’s disregard for the law and public safety,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “Even after being convicted of firearms crimes and serving prison time, he is back out in the community possessing and attempting to sell firearms. This is exactly the kind of case that ATF and the ICGTF investigate, and we will continue to work to remove the trigger pullers and those supplying them from the street.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Indiana Crime Guns Task Force investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James R. Sweeney II. Judge Sweeney also ordered that Washington be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Pamela S. Domash, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF). ICGTF is a partnership of law enforcement officers and analysts from several central Indiana law enforcement agencies in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, Johnson, and Shelby counties. In cooperation with state, local, and federal partners, ICGTF collaborates to address violent crime through a comprehensive strategy including innovative approaches to locating suspects and evidence related to violent crimes and illegal possession of firearms.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Former Correctional Officer Sentenced to Eight Months in Federal Prison for Accepting Bribes to Smuggle Tobacco into Terre Haute Correctional ComplexRead the Press Release
TERRE HAUTE- Jordan Kelsheimer, 25, of Blanford, Indiana, has been sentenced to eight months in federal prison after pleading guilty to accepting a bribe as a public official.
According to court documents, beginning in 2019, Jordan Kelsheimer was employed with the United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, as a Corrections Officer. At the time of the offense, Kelsheimer was employed at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana.
In the summer of 2022, Bureau of Prisons investigators initiated an investigation of the defendant after receiving multiple reports from inmate witnesses that Kelsheimer was smuggling tobacco into the facility. Tobacco is prohibited for inmate use in federal prisons. The witnesses reported that they repeatedly observed Kelsheimer in intimate contact with “Inmate 1” in and near her office. The reported contact included kissing and, on occasion, more intimate contact. Investigators reviewed prison surveillance footage from July 2022, which showed repeated contact between Kelsheimer and Inmate 1 in and near her office, as reported. The witnesses also reported that Inmate 1 was selling the cigarettes to other inmates in the prison.
On July 18, 2022, staff searched Kelsheimer when she reported for work at the prison. Kelsheimer had eight packs of Newport cigarettes on her person, which she ultimately acknowledged she intended to deliver to Inmate 1 that day. Kelsheimer also had a stack of love letters from Inmate 1 on her person. She admitted that she was paid $400 per carton by Inmate 1’s brother via CashApp, and she communicated with the brother by text messaging. Electronic records showed that she received a total of 15 separate bribe payments for a total of $5,140.
“Corrupt correctional officers fuel the contraband problems in our prison facilities and exploit the vulnerability of inmates for their own profit,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Contraband sales fuel a cycle of debt, extortion, and violence, and officials whose honor is for sale endanger every inmate and staff member in the facility. As the sentence here demonstrates, these corrupt officers will find themselves returned to the prisons as inmates.”
FBI and Department of Justice- Office of Inspector General’s Chicago Field Office investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James P. Hanlon. Judge Hanlon also ordered that Kelsheimer be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for two years following her release from federal prison, and pay a $500 fine.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney James M. Warden, who prosecuted this case.
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Kokomo Woman Sentenced to 21 Months in Federal Prison for Embezzling over $400,000 from EmployerRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Bethany Olmsted, 43, of Kokomo, Indiana, has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to five counts of wire fraud.
According to court documents, on or about November 29, 2017, Olmsted was hired as controller for Company A, a private business, and five other investment companies partially owned by Company A’s owner. As these companies’ controller, Olmsted managed the bookkeeping, tax reporting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and day-to-day finances for each business. Olmsted’s duties included tracking and categorizing all the companies’ receipts and spending using accounting software. She also had the authority to write company checks to pay legitimate business expenses.
Starting on November 29, 2018, Olmsted began writing checks from the investment companies’ bank accounts to herself and depositing them into her personal bank account. To conceal her thefts, Olmsted falsely categorized these payments to herself as payments to legitimate businesses or vendors such as for “Mowing & Landscaping.” Similarly, she categorized checks written to herself as payments to “Fortune Companies Inc.” for “Repairs & Maintenance.” In addition, she transferred money from Company A’s bank account to the other companies’ bank accounts to hide the thefts. When confronted by company officials about the theft of company funds, Olmsted repeatedly lied about the extent of the thefts and her efforts to avoid detection by altering the companies’ books.
Between November 2018 and September 2021, Olmsted fraudulently wrote approximately 520 checks from the companies to herself, stealing $413,531. Olmsted used the stolen funds to purchase spa treatments, jewelry, clothes, and dinners at high-end steakhouses.
“For almost three years, this defendant repaid the trust of her employers with deceit and theft, helping herself to nearly half a million dollars and cooking the books to hide the evidence,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Fraud and embezzlement can have devastating effects on the victim individuals and companies. The federal prison sentence imposed here demonstrates that those who commit financial crimes will pay a serious price. I commend the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our federal prosecutor for their efforts to investigate these crimes and hold the defendant accountable.”
“I am proud of our postal inspectors’ abilities to identify and untangle intricate fraud schemes, and grateful to our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office for their work in bringing justice to individuals who take advantage of their positions of trust for financial gain,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge for the Detroit Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge James R. Sweeney II. Judge Sweeney also ordered that Olmsted be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 2 years following her release from federal prison and pay $413,531.98 in restitution to the victim businesses.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Adam Eakman, who prosecuted this case.
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Ringleader of Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy Sentenced to Life, Co-Conspirators Sentenced to a Total of More than 100 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS –Keith J. Jones, a/k/a Keybo, 57, of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Kevin M. Backstrom, 58, of Los Angeles California have been sentenced to prison following their 2023 trial convictions for their parts in an Indianapolis fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine trafficking organization.
Jones was sentenced to life in federal prison after a federal jury convicted him of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, nine substantive drug trafficking counts, and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Backstrom was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after a federal jury convicted him of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, Jones was the leader of a drug trafficking organization that distributed at least 300 pounds of methamphetamine, 20 kilograms of fentanyl, and 50 kilograms of cocaine in the Indianapolis area from September 20, 2020, through July 21, 2022. Backstrom was the Los Angeles-based drug supplier for the organization.
The investigation resulted in the indictment and conviction of twenty-two defendants for their roles in the organization’s drug trafficking activity.
Other noteworthy sentences include:
Defendant
Charge(s)
Sentence
Sean E. Devonish, 46, Indianapolis
Drug trafficking conspiracy
20 years’ imprisonment
Herman Wesley Tavorn, 42, of Indianapolis
fentanyl possession with intent to distribute
25 years’ imprisonment
Jamie L. Rayner, 34, Indianapolis
Drug trafficking conspiracy;
Money laundering conspiracy
15 years’ imprisonment
Marcus N. Miles, 49, Indianapolis
Drug trafficking conspiracy
13 years’ imprisonment
Anthony Moore, 37, of Indianapolis
Drug trafficking conspiracy;
fentanyl possession with intent to distribute;
methamphetamine possession with intent to distribute;
12.5 years’ imprisonment
Nicholas Ray, 33, Indianapolis
Cocaine possession with intent to distribute
135 months’ imprisonment
Steve L. Young, 30, Indianapolis
Drug trafficking conspiracy
125 months’ imprisonment
“Drug overdose deaths touch every Hoosier—our families, our friends, our children. These tragedies are overwhelmingly driven by trafficking of fentanyl and other deadly opioids,” said Zachary A. Myers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Fentanyl is concealed in everything from fake pharmaceuticals to rainbow candy-colored pills, and even within other controlled substances like methamphetamine. If you are pushing this poison, take notice that our office is working every day with federal, state, and local law enforcement to reduce the supply of these deadly drugs and put you in federal prison, potentially for life.”
“The primary goal of law enforcement is to make our communities safer for all of us,” stated Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work with our partners to take the poison of drugs off the street and end the violent crime that comes with it.”
“Fentanyl and the other dangerous drugs trafficked by these individuals pose a grave threat to public safety,” said Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge, IRS:CI Chicago Field Office. “The sentencing of these individuals is evidence of the whole of government approach to safeguarding our communities from the scourge of illicit drugs. Through our collective efforts, IRS Criminal Investigation, along with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, will continue pooling our resources, expertise, and intelligence, to disrupt drug trafficking networks at every level—from production to distribution to the financial methods they use to launder their illicit proceeds.”
“DEA remains committed to working each and every day with our state and local partners and utilizing our resources to conduct the highest level of investigations and will continue to dismantle violent drug trafficking organizations. The fentanyl crisis plaguing our communities is real and effects Hoosiers and their families every day,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge J. Michael Gannon. “When individuals like Mr. Jones and Mr. Backstrom deal multi-kilogram quantities of fentanyl, cocaine and multi hundred-pound quantities of methamphetamine, they must be held accountable for their actions. The life sentence of Mr. Jones and the 30-year sentence of Mr. Backstrom should serve as a warning to individuals dealing lethal drugs.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, IRS Criminal Investigation, Indianapolis Metropolitan Drug Task Force, and the Hamilton-Boone County Drug Task Force investigated this case, with valuable assistance provided by the FBI, Indiana State Police, Beech Grove Police Department, Lawrence Police Department. This case is part of the Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Brad Blackington and Kelsey L. Massa, who prosecuted this case.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Previously Convicted Murderer Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Willie Burroughs, 53, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 5 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, in June of 2023, IMPD officers began investigating a shooting that occurred on June 13, 2022. The target of this investigation was Willie Burroughs. On June 22, 2023, IMPD officers located Burroughs at Stratford Apartments in Indianapolis and saw him drive off in the passenger side of Chevrolet Equinox.
Officers followed the vehicle and conducted a felony stop of the Equinox in the area of West 38th Street and Moller Road. Burroughs was ordered from the front passenger seat and detained. An officer received consent from the driver to search the Equinox and located one Glock 19 Gen4 9mm semi-automatic pistol under the front passenger side seat. The Glock was fully loaded, with one round in the chamber and 16 rounds in the magazine. Burroughs admitted that the Glock was his.
In 1994, Burroughs was convicted of Murder and Armed Robbery in Marion County, prohibiting him from ever again legally possessing a firearm.
“Illegally armed, repeat violent criminals are responsible for a disproportionate share of the gun violence suffered in Indianapolis and all of our communities These offenses will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “Like this defendant, every offender returning to our community has a choice. If you want to turn your life around, and be there for your family, seek out the services and supporters committed to keeping you safe, alive, and successful. If instead, you choose to carry a firearm, you will return to prison to serve a serious sentence behind federal bars.”
“Armed repeat offenders such as Mr. Burroughs who choose to knowingly possess firearms when they are expressly prohibited from doing so demonstrate a clear disregard for the lives of others,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI and our partners will continue our commitment to the community to investigate and hold accountable criminals who illegally have these deadly weapons.”
The FBI and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Sarah Evans Barker. Judge Barker also ordered that Burroughs be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years following his release from federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorney Jayson W. McGrath, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of the LEATH Initiative (Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence), named in honor of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A partnership among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the IMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the LEATH Initiative focuses federal, state, and local law enforcement resources on domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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